Green Chemistry-Driven Development of Topical Vitamin D۳ Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: In Silico Lipid Selection and Anti-Inflammatory Evaluation

Vitamin D۳ exhibits promising anti-inflammatory activity; however, its topical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility and low dermal bioavailability. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are biocompatible lipid-based systems that enhance cutaneous delivery. This study optimized the lipid composition of Vitamin D۳-loaded NLCs using an integrated green chemistry approach that combined in silico screening and experimental validation. Molecular docking and physicochemical compatibility prediction identified monostearin and Miglyol ۸۱۲ as optimal lipid candidates. NLCs were then prepared at different solid–liquid lipid ratios (F۱: ۷:۳, F۲: ۸:۲, F۳: ۹:۱) using an environmentally benign, organic-solvent-free high-shear homogenization process and were stabilized with a low concentration (۳%) of non-ionic, low-toxicity surfactants (Tween ۶۰ and PEG ۴۰۰). In vitro release was assessed using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. In vivo evaluation confirmed that formulation F۱ produced the greatest reduction in paw edema (۳.۹۴% at ۶ h), approaching the activity of the positive control and markedly outperforming the negative control. Overall, the combined in silico–experimental strategy improved the performance of vitamin D۳-loaded NLCs while reducing material use and supporting environmentally benign formulation development.

کلیدواژه ها:

Green nanocarriers ، In silico ، Topical Vitamin D۳ ، anti-inflammatory