Abstract: Methods of producing a controlled release formulation for an active substance are disclosed, wherein the methods involve dispersing a discontinuous phase comprising an active substance into a continuous phase so as to form a two-phase liquid system comprising droplets of said discontinuous phase, and allowing nanoparticles provided to the two-phase liquid system to congregate at the phase interface to thereby coat the surface of the droplets in at least one layer of said nanoparticles. The methods utilise a concentration of a suitable electrolyte which enhances the nanoparticle congregation such that the coating of nanoparticles on the surface of the droplets presents a semi-permeable barrier to the active substance, or otherwise utilise a amount of the active substance that is greater than the solubility limit of that active substance in the discontinous phase. Formulations comprising vitamin A (retinol) as the active substance for dermal delivery are specifically exemplified.

Abstract: A method and formulation for the delivery of an active substance to the skin (epidermis, including the stratum corneum and viable epidermis, and dermis) of a subject. The formulation comprises oil-based or aqueous droplets comprising the active substance within a coating of nanoparticles, particularly silica nanoparticles. The active substance may be suitable for the treatment of a disease or condition which is localised, or at least partially localised, to the skin (eg skin cancer, psoriasis, eczema, infections including bacterial and fungal infections, acne, dermatitis, inflammation, and rheumatoid arthritis).

Abstract: Methods of producing a controlled release formulation for an active substance are disclosed, wherein the methods involve dispersing a discontinuous phase comprising an active substance into a continuous phase so as to form a two-phase liquid system comprising droplets of said discontinuous phase, and allowing nanoparticles provided to the two-phase liquid system to congregate at the phase interface to thereby coat the surface of the droplets in at least one layer of said nanoparticles. The methods utilise a concentration of a suitable electrolyte which enhances the nanoparticle congregation such that the coating of nanoparticles on the surface of the droplets presents a semi-permeable barrier to the active substance, or otherwise utilise a amount of the active substance that is greater than the solubility limit of that active substance in the discontinous phase. Formulations comprising vitamin A (retinol) as the active substance for dermal delivery are specifically exemplified.