Thermoresponsive In-Situ Gel for Scalp Drug Delivery: An Overview of Natural Polymer- Based Approaches

Abstract

Thermoresponsive in-situ gels are a way to get medicine to the scalp.
This is especially important for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and
dandruff. These conditions need medicine to stay on the scalp for a time to work
well. Conventional topical formulations of ketoconazole do not stay on the scalp
for long. They need to be applied, and people do not always use them as they
should. Natural polymer-based systems are an alternative. They are safe and good
for the environment. This review is about in-situ gel systems. It focuses on systems
that use okra mucilage as a polymeric matrix. Okra mucilage is good for making
gels because it swells well and is sticky. When okra mucilage is combined with
poloxamer 407 and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose it makes a gel. Poloxamer
407 changes from a liquid to a gel at body temperature. The cold method is used to
make poloxamer-based formulations. This method helps keep the polymer intact
and makes sure the medicine is spread evenly. This review talks about how
thermoresponsive in-situ gels work. It discusses the properties of gels. How they
are made. Thermoresponsive, in-situ gels are a way to deliver medicine to the
scalp. They help the medicine stay on the scalp and do not let it get into the rest
of the body. Overall natural polymer-based thermogelling systems are a way to
deliver medicine to the scalp. They are easy to use and work well.