Lipid nanocapsules drug carriers for Benzocain delivery

Benzocaine (BZC) is a local anesthetic synthesized through the esterification of para-amino benzoic acid (PABA) and commonly used in dentistry for local antinociception in mucous membranes. Unlike other commercial local anesthetics, BZC does not possess an ionizable amino group near physiological pH, exhibiting a neutral charge at pHs above 3 and limited water solubility. There are reports of systemic toxicity with BZC use, due to the formation of methemoglobin by PABA, a product of its degradation, leading to functional anemia and tissue hypoxia. Another substance widely used in dental practice is eugenol (EUG), found in clove oil. Eugenol, being lipophilic, has several bioactive properties, including anesthetic effect. In this project, we prepared drug-delivery systems (DDS), i.e. lipid nanocapsules (LNC)[1] to co-encapsulate BZC and EUG. Our aim is to prolong the analgesic effect, enhance the therapeutic effects of the drugs, and reduce their toxicity. Essentially, the inclusion of eugenol not only diversifies the composition of the formulation but also enhances the effectiveness of the pharmaceutical strategy employed, paving the way for more comprehensive and efficient solutions in the field of dental anesthesia. LNC, composed of an oily core surrounded by a layer of non-ionic surfactant, are particularly effective as carriers for hydrophobic drugs and, due to their high surfactant concentration, have diameters below 100 nm, making them ideal for topical applications.