Preparation, Characterization and Preliminary Antibacterial Evaluation of Trifarotene-Loaded Cubosomes

Abstract

Trifarotene is a topical retinoid used in acne management. Its limited aqueous solubility provides a formulation rationale for investigating lipid-based nanocarriers. This study reports the preparation and physicochemical characterization of trifarotene-loaded cubosomal dispersions and summarizes the available in-vitro release, storage-stability and preliminary antibacterial data. Five formulations (CSF1-CSF5) were prepared using trifarotene, glyceryl monooleate and Poloxamer 407. Reported particle sizes ranged from 154.24 to 262.20 nm, and entrapment efficiency ranged from 71.24% to 94.85%. CSF1 had the smallest reported particle size (154.24 nm), the most negative zeta potential (-29.9 mV) and the highest entrapment efficiency (94.85%). Cumulative release from the reported optimized formulation reached 91.46% at 13 h. Among the reported kinetic fits, the first-order model had the highest coefficient of determination (R² = 0.937), although the difference from the zero-order fit (R² = 0.923) was modest. Over 90 days at 25 ± 2°C/60 ± 5% relative humidity, particle size increased to 159.40 nm and entrapment efficiency decreased to 91.95%. Agar-well diffusion data showed inhibition zones of 12, 17 and 23 mm at 2, 4 and 8 mg/mL, respectively, against Escherichia coli; the blank formulation produced no reported inhibition. These findings are descriptive and require confirmation because replicate-level variability, microbiological controls and the tested batch identity are incompletely documented. The data support further systematic evaluation of trifarotene-loaded cubosomes but do not establish clinical efficacy or comparative antibacterial benefit.