Effect of beeswax modification on the lipid matrix and solid lipid nanoparticle crystallinity

Effect of mango butter on the physicochemical properties of beeswax-Moringa seed oil-based oleogels for topical application

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to determine any connections between the characteristics of oleogels made of beeswax and the impact of mango butter.

METHODS

Oleogel was prepared through inverted tube methods, and optimized through oil binding capacity. Other evaluations like bright field and polarized microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, crystallization kinetics, mechanical study, and X-ray diffractometry (XRD). The drug release kinetic studies and in vitro antibacterial studies were performed.

RESULTS

FTIR study reveals that the gelation process does not significantly alter the chemical composition of the individual components. Prepared gel exhibiting fluid-like behavior or composed of brittle networks is particularly vulnerable to disruptions in their network design. The incorporation of mango butter increases the drug permeation. In-vitro microbial efficacy study was found to be excellent.

CONCLUSION

The studies revealed that mango butter can be used to modify the physico-chemical properties of the oleogels.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Applications and Prospects in Cancer Treatment

Recent advancements in drug delivery technologies paved a way for improving cancer therapeutics. Nanotechnology emerged as a potential tool in the field of drug delivery, overcoming the challenges of conventional drug delivery systems. In the field of nanotechnology, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) play a vital role with a wide range of diverse applications, namely drug delivery, clinical medicine, and cancer therapeutics. SLNs establish a significant role owing to their ability to encapsulate hydrophilic and hydrophobic compounds, biocompatibility, ease of surface modification, scale-up feasibility, and possibilities of both active and passive targeting to various organs. In cancer therapy, SLNs have emerged as imminent nanocarriers for overcoming physiological barriers and multidrug resistance pathways. However, there is a need for special attention to be paid to further improving the conceptual understanding of the biological responses of SLNs in cancer therapeutics. Hence, further research exploration needs to be focused on the determination of the structure and strength of SLNs at the cellular level, both in vitro and in vivo, to develop potential therapeutics with reduced side effects. The present review addresses the various modalities of SLN development, SLN mechanisms in cancer therapeutics, and the scale-up potential and regulatory considerations of SLN technology. The review extensively focuses on the applications of SLNs in cancer treatment.

Physicochemical and biopharmaceutical aspects influencing skin permeation and role of SLN and NLC for skin drug delivery

The skin is a complex and multifunctional organ, in which the static versus dynamic balance is responsible for its constant adaptation to variations in the external environment that is continuously exposed. One of the most important functions of the skin is its ability to act as a protective barrier, against the entry of foreign substances and against the excessive loss of endogenous material. Human skin imposes physical, chemical and biological limitations on all types of permeating agents that can cross the epithelial barrier. For a molecule to be passively permeated through the skin, it must have properties, such as dimensions, molecular weight, pKa and hydrophilic-lipophilic gradient, appropriate to the anatomy and physiology of the skin. These requirements have limited the number of commercially available products for dermal and transdermal administration of drugs. To understand the mechanisms involved in the drug permeation process through the skin, the approach should be multidisciplinary in order to overcome biological and pharmacotechnical barriers. The study of the mechanisms involved in the permeation process, and the ways to control it, can make this route of drug administration cease to be a constant promise and become a reality. In this work, we address the physicochemical and biopharmaceutical aspects encountered in the pathway of drugs through the skin, and the potential added value of using solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid vectors (NLC) to drug permeation/penetration through this route. The technology and architecture for obtaining lipid nanoparticles are described in detail, namely the composition, production methods and the ability to release pharmacologically active substances, as well as the application of these systems in the vectorization of various pharmacologically active substances for dermal and transdermal applications. The characteristics of these systems in terms of dermal application are addressed, such as biocompatibility, occlusion, hydration, emollience and the penetration of pharmacologically active substances. The advantages of using these systems over conventional formulations are described and explored from a pharmaceutical point of view.

Lipid Cubic Systems for Sustained and Controlled Delivery of Antihistamine Drugs

Antihistamines are capable of blocking mediator responses in allergic reactions including allergic rhinitis and dermatological reactions. By incorporating various H1 receptor antagonists into a lipid cubic phase network, these active ingredients can be delivered locally over an extended period of time owing to the mucoadhesive nature of the system. Local delivery can avoid inducing unwanted side effects, often observed after systematic delivery. Lipid-based antihistamine delivery systems are shown here to exhibit prolonged release capabilities. In vitro drug dissolution studies investigated the extent and release rate of two model first-generation and two model second-generation H1 antagonist antihistamine drugs from two monoacyglycerol-derived lipid models. To optimize the formulation approach, the systems were characterized macroscopically and microscopically by small-angle X-ray scattering and polarized light to ascertain the mesophase accessed upon an incorporation of antihistamines of varying solubilities and size. The impact of encapsulating the antihistamine molecules on the degree of mucoadhesivity of the lipid cubic systems was investigated using multiparametric surface plasmon resonance. With the ultimate goal of developing therapies for the treatment of allergic reactions, the ability of the formulations to inhibit mediator release utilizing RBL-2H3 mast cells with the propensity to release histamine upon induction was explored, demonstrating no interference from the lipid excipient on the effectiveness of the antihistamine molecules.

Gamma sterilization and in vivo evaluation of cationic nanostructured lipid carriers as potential ocular delivery systems for antiglaucoma drugs

Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers showed promising results for enhancement of ocular bioavailability of drugs with poor corneal permeability. One of these drugs is methazolamide, which is an orally administered carbonic anhydrase inhibitor for glaucoma treatment. However, sterilization by autoclaving may result in loss of the physical properties of lipid nanoparticles such as particle size and surface charge. Here, we evaluated gamma radiation as an alternative sterilization method. Methazolamide loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were optimized using 2³ factorial design. Optimized formulations contained 6% lipid (85% solid lipid (Cetostearyl alcohol and glyceryl behenate) and 15% oil either medium chain triglycerides or isopropyl myristate) stabilized by 2% polysorbate 80 and 0.15% stearylamine. Nanoparticles were cationic, smaller than 500 nm, and had an entrapment efficiency of about 30%. They released methazolamide within 8 hours and showed a 5-fold enhanced reduction in intraocular pressure compared to methazolamide solution. Gamma sterilization was superior to autoclaving in preserving entrapped methazolamide, size, and surface charge of lipid nanoparticles. These findings demonstrate that gamma radiation is a viable alternative to autoclaving for sterilizing lipid nanoparticles. Moreover, this proves that nanostructured lipid carriers enhance pharmacological response of topically administered methazolamide for treating glaucoma.

Natural Lipids as Structural Components of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Delivery

BACKGROUND

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are useful drug delivery systems for dermal application. Thanks to their biocompatible and biodegradable profile, these carriers offer many advantages such as enhanced bioavailability, low toxicity, viable drug targeting and controlled release. SLN and NLC are composed of well-tolerated lipids, including natural fats and oils that are successfully used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic dermal formulation.

OBJECTIVE

This article presents an overview of the benefits of selecting natural fats and oils as structural components of SLN and NLC for topical application.

METHODS

This review is based on data published over the past 20 years about the development of stable and nontoxic lipid nanoparticles with natural lipids. We shed light on the role of natural fats in skin restoration, as well as on the contributed penetration and occlusive properties of SLN and NLC.

RESULTS

The deliberate selection of excipients (type and lipid ratio) influences the quality of the final dermal formulation. Natural lipids show good compatibility with different active molecules and are able to create stable lipid matrices that facilitate the biopharmaceutical properties of lipid nanoparticles. Patents involving natural fats and oils in SLN and NLC composition are listed, yet it is important to note that the approved marketed formulations are mainly cosmetic, not pharmaceutical, products.

CONCLUSION

Natural lipids can enhance topical drug delivery by adding their ability of improving skin penetration and hydration to the permeation and occlusion properties of SLN and NLC.

Microfluidics-enabled particle engineering of monodisperse solid lipid microparticles with uniform drug loading and diverse solid-state outcomes

Lipids serve as excellent excipients for drug products. Solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) are relatively underexplored in drug delivery; these particles are conventionally prepared using processes yielding polydisperse size distributions, such as spray congealing or emulsification. In this paper, we demonstrate a microfluidics-enabled process for particle engineering of monodisperse solid lipid microparticles with size and content uniformity. To overcome low solubility, we use a volatile solvent to increase drug loading, making the drug-lipid solution a single phase, enabling identical drug loading across particles. We use microfluidic flow extrusion of the solution to generate uniform drug-loaded SLMs, substantially enhancing monodispersity. This method generalises across three drugs-ibuprofen, 5-methyl-2-[(2-nitrophenyl)amino]-3-thiophenecarbonitrile (ROY), and naproxen, and two lipids-beeswax and hard fat (Suppocire NAI 25A), forming particles of various solid states: amorphous naproxen in crystalline lipids, crystalline ROY in crystalline lipids, and a eutectic mixture of ibuprofen-hard fat. In vitro dissolution studies on the ibuprofen-hard fat SLMs reveal gradual release, fitting the Higuchi model with 50-65% drug released over 72 h. This work expands the drug particle engineering toolbox to enable the formulation of SLMs with high precision in particle size and drug loading. Moreover, the diverse solid-state outcomes enabled by our method makes it applicable to various drugs having different formulation requirements (crystalline/amorphous).

Oleuropein-Laded Ufasomes Improve the Nutraceutical Efficacy

Ufasomes are unsaturated fatty acid liposomes made up of oleic and linoleic acids, natural components required in various biological processes. This kind of nanocarrier is characterized by a simple and dynamic structure and is able to improve the bioavailability of unsaturated fatty acids. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate ufasomes as natural compound delivery systems to deliver oleuropein and improve its antioxidant activity. Oleuropein is a phenolic compound mainly present in olives and olive oil, with several biological properties, such as the antioxidant activity. However, to improve their biological activity, antioxidant compounds should be able to cross cell membranes and uniformly incorporate in cells. Because of the great similarity between their constituents and cell membranes, ufasomes could be advantageous carriers for oleuropein delivery. The physico-chemical characteristics of ufasomes were investigated. A regular shape was shown by transmission electron microscopy studies, while the mean sizes were dependent on the ufasomes composition. In vitro studies highlighted that empty ufasomes did not lead to cell mortality at the tested concentrations and a good carrier internalization in CaCo-2 cells, further studies in vitro studies demonstrated that oleuropein-loaded ufasomes were able to enhance the antioxidant activity of the free active substance making this carrier a suitable one for nutraceutical application.

Development and characterization of Brigatinib loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: In-vitro cytotoxicity against human carcinoma A549 lung cell lines

Brigatinib (BG) is a tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitor act as an antineoplastic agent by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that causes cancer cells to multiply. In the current study, nine formulae of BG loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were developed using 3² factorial design. SLNs were prepared by the solvent emulsification technique using stearic acid as lipid and soya- lecithin as a surfactant, both of these act as independent variables, whereas Particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE) and drug loading (DL) were selected as responses. The particle size was found to be in the nano range (176-787 nm), fairly monodisperse (PDI indices 0.19-0.5), interparticle electrical stability was supported by zeta-potential (+1.78 mV to -15.4 mV), whereas EE and DL were in the range of (61.31-87.87 %) (3.35-31.01 %), respectively. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms indicated the amorphous state of BG in the SLN. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrums confirm non-interaction between drug and polymer while nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy study revealed BG incorporation in the SLN. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) image exhibit a spherical shape of SLN. The in-vitro release profile demonstrates a sustained release pattern for the selected BS5 SLNs. MTT assay was performed on the optimized SLNs (BS5) and the results are indicative that BG loaded SLN (BS5) showed better cytotoxicity against A349 lung cell lines while compared to BG suspension and blank SLN. Thus, BG loaded SLNs can find Its better place in the non-small cell lung cancer treatment.

Stearic Acid, Beeswax and Carnauba Wax as Green Raw Materials for the Loading of Carvacrol into Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

The use of lipid nanoparticles as drug delivery systems has been growing over recent decades. Their biodegradable and biocompatible profile, capacity to prevent chemical degradation of loaded drugs/actives and controlled release for several administration routes are some of their advantages. Lipid nanoparticles are of particular interest for the loading of lipophilic compounds, as happens with essential oils. Several interesting properties, e.g., anti-microbial, antitumoral and antioxidant activities, are attributed to carvacrol, a monoterpenoid phenol present in the composition of essential oils of several species, including Origanum vulgare, Thymus vulgaris, Nigellasativa and Origanum majorana. As these essential oils have been proposed as the liquid lipid in the composition of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), we aimed at evaluating the influence of carvacrol on the crystallinity profile of solid lipids commonly in use in the production of NLCs. Different ratios of solid lipid (stearic acid, beeswax or carnauba wax) and carvacrol were prepared, which were then subjected to thermal treatment to mimic the production of NLCs. The obtained binary mixtures were then characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and polarized light microscopy (PLM). The increased concentration of monoterpenoid in the mixtures resulted in an increase in the mass loss recorded by TG, together with a shift of the melting point recorded by DSC to lower temperatures, and the decrease in the enthalpy in comparison to the bulk solid lipids. The miscibility of carvacrol with the melted solid lipids was also confirmed by DSC in the tested concentration range. The increase in carvacrol content in the mixtures resulted in a decrease in the crystallinity of the solid bulks, as shown by SAXS and PLM. The decrease in the crystallinity of lipid matrices is postulated as an advantage to increase the loading capacity of these carriers. Carvacrol may thus be further exploited as liquid lipid in the composition of green NLCs for a range of pharmaceutical applications.

Enhanced integrin affinity and neural differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells using Ln5-P4-grafted amphiphilic solid lipid nanoparticles

Amphiphilic solid lipid nanoparticles (ASLNs) with surface PPFLMLLKGSTR peptide (Ln5-P4) (Ln5-P4/ASLNs) were prepared to load nerve growth factor (NGF) and retinoic acid (RA) and to guide the differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) toward neurons. Beeswax (BW) and lecithin played predominant roles in microemulsion and in the average diameter, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency of NGF and RA and release kinetics of NGF- and RA-loaded Ln5-P4/ASLNs (Ln5-P4/NGF-RA-ASLNs). An increasing BW weight percentage from 0% to 75% decreased the particle size and zeta potential along with improved encapsulation efficiency of RA and NGF with enhanced positive expression of β-tubulin III to 93.72% in cultured cells. Strong affinity of Ln5-P4/NGF-RA-ASLNs to α₃β₁ integrin expressed on iPSCs facilitated internalization of Ln5-P4/NGF-RA-ASLNs. The capability of Ln5-P4/NGF-RA-ASLNs to induce neuronal differentiation was much higher than that of free NGF-ASLNs and RA-ASLNs, as visualized using immunochemical staining. Flow cytometry analysis indicated that Ln5-P4 on NGF-RA-ASLNs promoted the uptake of NGF and RA by iPSCs and accelerated neuronal production. Ln5-P4/NGF-RA-ASLNs are a promising colloidal delivery system to generate mature neurons from iPSCs and can be potential for treating neurodegenerative disease and nerve injury in regeneration medicine.

X-Ray Characterization of Pharmaceutical and Cosmetic Lipidic Nanoparticles for Cutaneous Application

Starting from the second half of the 1900s, the advent of nanotechnology in medicine has provoked a profound revolution in this area; at present, nanomedicine delivered a remarkably large set of research and clinically useful tools as diagnostic devices, contrast agents, analytical tools, physical therapy applications, and drugdelivery vehicles. Concerning nanoformulations for drug delivery, they are constituted by nanoparticles with dimensions lower than 1 μm, usually characterized by improved pharmacokinetics, taking advantage of specific targeting, and reduced side effects. The contributors to the present chapter are reviewing a range of papers related to the structural characterization of nanoformulations by X-ray diffraction techniques. The whole of the considered papers underlines the essential role that biophysical techniques have acquired as an essential prerequisite to understanding stability, bioavailability, and lipid, biopolymer, and drug organization in nanoformulations.

Enhanced storage stability of solid lipid nanoparticles by surface modification of comb-shaped amphiphilic inulin derivatives

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have been widely used as a vehicle for drug delivery. However, highly ordered lipid lattices and poor storage stability limit their practical application. Highly ordered crystal lattices may result from the low drug payload. In addition, the lipid matrix of SLNs may undergo a polymorphic transition from high energy and disordered modifications to low energy and ordered modifications during storage. This leads to drug expulsion and precipitation. Meanwhile, SLNs are susceptible to particle aggregation and size growth during storage. To improve the performance of SLNs, two comb-shaped amphiphilic macromolecular materials (CAMs), dodecyl inulin (Inu12) and octadecyl inulin (Inu18), were synthesized and utilized as emulsifiers to modify and stabilize SLNs (Inu12/Inu18-SLNs). The results indicated that Inu12 and Inu18 could more effectively reduce the lipid crystallinity and crystal lattice order of fresh SLNs versus Poloxamer 188 and Tween-80. Moreover, after six months of storage at 4 °C or 25 °C, both blank and Cyclosporine A (CsA)-loaded Inu12/Inu18-SLNs had a slower crystal transition than Tween/P188-SLNs. The particle size increases of Inu12/Inu18-SLNs were much smaller than those of Tween/P188-SLNs. The drug encapsulation efficiencies of CsA-loaded Inu12/Inu18-SLNs during storage decreased more slowly than Tween-SLNs. Therefore, Inu12 and Inu18 could more effectively inhibit lipid crystal transition and prevent particle aggregation during storage. This, in turn, leads to better storage physical stability of SLNs. Thus, the Inu12 and Inu18 CAMs were superior to Tween-80 and Poloxamer 188 (common straight-chain surfactants).

Diethyldithiocarbamate loaded in beeswax-copaiba oil nanoparticles obtained by solventless double emulsion technique promote promastigote death in vitro

Leishmaniasis is considered a neglected tropical disease that represents a Public Health problem due to its high incidence. In the search of new alternatives for Leishmaniasis treatment diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) has shown an excellent leishmanicidal activity and the incorporation into drug carrier systems, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), is very promising. In the present work DETC loaded in beeswax nanoparticles containing copaiba oil were obtained by the double emulsion/melt technique. The nanoparticles were characterized and leishmanicidal activity against L. amazonensis promastigotes forms and cytotoxicity in murine macrophages were evaluated. SLNs presented size below 200 nm, spherical morphology, negative charge surface, high encapsulation efficiency, above 80%, and excellent stability. Moreover, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed to evaluate the chemical structure and possible interactions between DETC and SLNs. SLNs provided a protection for DETC, decreasing its cytotoxic effects in macrophages, which led to an improvement in the selectivity against the parasites, which almost doubled from free DETC (11.4) to DETC incorporated in SLNs (18.2). These results demonstrated that SLNs had a direct effect on L. amazonensis promastigotes without affect the viability of macrophage cell, can be a promising alternative therapy for the cutaneous treatment of L. amazonensis.

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Emerging Colloidal Nano Drug Delivery Systems

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are nanocarriers developed as substitute colloidal drug delivery systems parallel to liposomes, lipid emulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and so forth. Owing to their unique size dependent properties and ability to incorporate drugs, SLNs present an opportunity to build up new therapeutic prototypes for drug delivery and targeting. SLNs hold great potential for attaining the goal of targeted and controlled drug delivery, which currently draws the interest of researchers worldwide. The present review sheds light on different aspects of SLNs including fabrication and characterization techniques, formulation variables, routes of administration, surface modifications, toxicity, and biomedical applications.

Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: In Vivo Antidepressant Activity

In alternate systems of medicine like Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, Hibiscus rosa sinensis and its extracts have been traditionally prescribed for their antidepressant activity. Crude extracts and rudimentary formulations approaches are good for proof-of-concept studies; however, these formulations are fraught with problems like poor oral bioavailability and high variability between subjects. Systematic drug delivery approaches could prove effective in addressing some of these problems. In this study, we report the development of Hibiscus rosa sinensis extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (HSLNs) using glycerol monostearate or beeswax as lipids. The HSLNs were evaluated for their size, surface charge, and morphology. The optimized HSLNs were tested for antidepressant activity in male Swiss albino mice. It was found that, with the optimized procedure, HSLNs of ~175 nm, carrying negative charge and nearly spherical shape, could be obtained. The in vivo test results suggested that there were marked differences in the immobility times of the test animals. Moreover, with HSLNs, it was found that at doses several times lower than the native crude extract dose, similar pharmacological effect could be obtained. These initial findings suggest that encapsulating phytopharmaceuticals into advanced delivery systems like solid lipid nanoparticles can be an effective strategy in improving their in vivo performance.

Topical Formulation Containing Beeswax-Based Nanoparticles Improved In Vivo Skin Barrier Function

Lipid nanoparticles have shown many advantages for treatment/prevention of skin disorders with damaged skin barrier function. Beeswax is a favorable candidate for the development of nanosystems in the cosmetic and dermatological fields because of its advantages for the development of products for topical application. In the present study, beeswax-based nanoparticles (BNs) were prepared using the hot melt microemulsion technique and incorporated to a gel-cream formulation. The formulation was subsequently evaluated for its rheological stability and effect on stratum corneum water content (SCWC) and transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using in vivo biophysical techniques. BNs resulted in mean particle size of 95.72 ± 9.63 nm and zeta potential of -9.85 ± 0.57 mV. BN-loaded formulation showed shear thinning behavior, well adjusted by the Herschel-Bulkley model, and a small thixotropy index that were stable for 28 days at different temperatures. BN-loaded formulation was also able to simultaneously decrease the TEWL and increase the SCWC values 28 days after treatment. In conclusion, the novel beeswax-based nanoparticles showed potential for barrier recovery and open the perspective for its commercial use as a novel natural active as yet unexplored in the field of dermatology and cosmetics for treatment of skin diseases with damaged skin barrier function.

Recent advances in “bioartificial polymeric materials” based nanovectors

This chapter analyzes the advantages of the use of bioartificial polymers as carriers and the main strategies used for their design. Despite the enormous progresses in this field, more studies are required for the fully evaluation of these nanovectors in complex organisms and for the characterization of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic of the loaded drugs. Moreover, progresses in polymer chemistry are introducing a wide range of functionalities in the bioartificial polymeric material (BPM) nanostructures leading to a second generation of bioartificial polymer therapeutics based on novel and heterogeneous architectures with higher molecular weight and predictable structures, in order to achieve greater multivalency and increased loading capacity. Therefore, research on bioartificial polymeric nanovectors is an “on-going” field capable of attracting medical interest.

Physicochemical characterization of chitosan-hyaluronan-coated solid lipid nanoparticles for the targeted delivery of paclitaxel: a proof-of-concept study in breast cancer cells

Aim: To investigate the potential of modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for the delivery of paclitaxel (PAX). Materials & methods: SLN loaded with PAX were prepared via modified high-pressure hot homogenization. Formulation parameters were optimized to obtain a high-quality delivery system. SLN cores were coated, layer-by-layer, with a chitosan and hyaluronan (HA) shell. Selectivity toward HA receptors was tested in a breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. Results: Stable and reproducible nano-sized and negatively charged nanoparticles resulted. Findings reveal that chitosan-HA-coated SLN facilitated the targeting, cellular uptake and the time-/dose-controlled delivery and release of PAX, enhancing intrinsic chemotherapeutic activities. Conclusion: SLN are suitable carrier candidates for nano-oncology given their localized, and potent cytotoxic potential overcoming multidrug-resistant cancer cells.

J, Athiyanathil S. Fabrication of superhydrophobic polycaprolactone/beeswax electrospun membranes for high-efficiency oil/water separation

A novel superhydrophobic, superoleophilic electrospun nanofibrous membrane of beeswax and polycaprolactone has been fabricated.

Synthesis and optimization of ceftriaxone-loaded solid lipid nanocarriers

The use of nanocarriers to enhance drug delivery efficacy has been increasing in the healthcare field due to their tunable surface properties. In this study, ceftriaxone-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CL-SLNPs) were synthesized using a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) type double emulsification method. The formulation was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) and was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), and UV-vis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The CL-SLNPs were of spherical shape, 15-20nm in size, and retained the properties of the drug or other constituents/ingredients after loading. The prepared nanoformulation offered sustained drug release after 24h, while ceftriaxone sodium followed a burst release. Antibacterial activity of the nanoformulation was evaluated against different gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains. The minimum inhibitory concentration of CL-SLNPs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa was determined as 31μg/mL.

Solid lipid nanoparticles encapsulating a fluorescent marker (coumarin 6) and antimalarials – artemether and lumefantrine: evaluation of cellular uptake and antimalarial activity

Artemisinins, the mainstay in the treatment of malaria today, are used in combination with other antimalarials to forestall resistance, as artemisinin-combination therapies. In line with the World Health Organization’s recommendation in that respect, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were formulated to encapsulate two antimalarial drugs — artemether and lumefantrine. The nanoparticles were evaluated for size and solid state properties. Caco-2 cells were used to investigate the ability of the SLN to deliver its payload at the absorptive interface of the gastrointestinal tract. Mice heart endothelial cells (MHEC) were also used as marker cells to assess cellular uptake of coumarin 6 from the SLN with imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CSLM). In vivo antimalarial activity was done using a standard suppressive protocol. The results of this study revealed different crystal properties for artemether and lumefantrine, which affected their solubility in the lipid matrix and thus, loading in the lipid nanoparticles. The particles of the SLN were within the range of 150 nm–500 nm with varied polydispersity indices. Wide angle X-ray diffraction analysis indicated the presence of particles of solid nature. Cellular uptake studies indicated uptake of coumarin 6 from the coumarin 6-labeled SLN. In vivo antimalarial studies indicated high clearance of parasitemia with minimal effect on hematological parameters tested.

Potential of Nanomaterials as Movers and Packers for Drug Molecules

As the development of nanotechnology has extended to the world of biomolecules, a revolution has occurred in the design and assembly of nanomaterials for drug delivery with a significant potential to impact drug efficacy and patient outcomes. Currently a number of nanomaterials are under investigation for their suitability as sustained, controlled and targeted drug carriers. Leading edge of the rapidly developing nanosciences is the development and assessment of these nanomaterials, with specific physicochemical properties different from their larger/ bulk counterparts, as vehicles for transport of small and large drug molecules. The characteristics such as size, shape, chemical composition, surface structure and charge, aggregation and agglomeration, and solubility, can greatly influence interactions of these nanostructured systems or carriers with biomembranes and cells. The selectivity and reactivity achieved due to the very small size assigns these systems with a wide spectrum of applications. In this review, nanomaterials are considered in terms of the physical attributes or pharmaceutical effects allocated by them to the all-inclusive carrier or vehicle system (s). However we will limit our discussion to lipidic and polymeric nanomaterials, the two most commonly promoted, and safe nanosystems for delivery of both, the chemical or small molecular entities (SME) and the macromolecules including genes and siRNA.Contents of Paper

Formulation in vitro and in vivo evaluation of SRMS-based heterolipid-templated homolipid delivery system for diclofenac sodium

The sole objective of this work was to design successful dosage oral forms of diclofenac sodium (DiNa)-loaded solid lipid microparticles (SLM) based on solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS). Hot homogenization technique was employed to prepare DicNa SLM using a mixture goat fat and Phospholipon® 90 G as lipid matrix and Tween®-80 as mobile surfactant. Characterization based on percentage yield, morphology, particle size, zeta potential, percentage encapsulation, pH and stability of SLMs were investigated. Anti-inflammatory, gastrointestinal tract (GIT) sparing effect and pharmacokinetics were carried out in rat model after oral administration. Results showed that the SLMs were spherical and smooth. The optimized formulation (SLM-4) had particle size of 79.40 ± 0.31 µm, polydispersity index of 0.633 ± 0.190, zeta potential of -63.20 ± 0.12 mV and encapsulation efficiency of 91.2 ± 0.1% with good stability after 8 months of storage. The DicNa SLM had sustained release effect with good anti-inflammatory activity. Higher and prolonged plasma DicNa concentration was shown by the SLM-4 compared to pure drug and a conventional sample. These studies demonstrate that DicNa-loaded SLM based on SRMS could be a promising oral formulation for enhanced bioavailability, pharmacologic activity and gastrointestinal sparing effect of the NSAID, DicNa.

Formulation and characterization of hydrophilic drug diclofenac sodium-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles based on phospholipid complexes technology

To successfully prepare the diclofenac sodium (DS)-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), phospholipid complexes (PCs) technology was applied here to improve the liposolubility of DS. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) loaded with phospholipid complexes (PCs) were prepared by the modified emulsion/solvent evaporation method. DS could be solubilized effectively in the organic solvents with the existence of phospholipid and apparent partition coefficient of DS in PCs increased significantly. X-ray diffraction analysis suggested that DS in PCs was either molecularly dispersed or in an amorphous form. However, no significant difference was observed between the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) spectra of physical mixture and that of PCs. Particles with small sizes, narrow polydispersity indexes and high entrapment efficiencies could be obtained with the addition of PCs. Furthermore, according to the transmission electron microscopy, a core-shell structure was likely to be formed. The presence of PCs caused the change of zeta potential and retarded the drug release of SLNs, which indicated that phospholipid formed multilayers around the solid lipid core of SLNs. Both FT-IR and differential scanning calorimetry analysis also illustrated that some weak interactions between DS and lipid materials might take place during the preparation of SLNs. In conclusion, the model hydrophilic drug-DS can be formulated into the SLNs with the help of PCs.

Lipid nanoparticles based on butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane: in vitro UVA blocking effect

The aim of the present study was to obtain efficient lipid nanoparticles loaded with butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane (BMDBM) in order to develop cosmetic formulations with enhanced UVA blocking effect. For this purpose, two adequate liquid lipids (medium chain triglycerides and squalene) have been used in combination with two solid lipids (cetyl palmitate and glyceryl stearate) in order to create appropriate nanostructured carriers with a disordered lipid network able to accommodate up to 1.5% BMDBM. The lipid nanoparticles (LNs) were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, loading capacity and in vitro UVA blocking effect. The efficiency of lipid nanoparticles in developing some cosmetic formulations has been evaluated by determining the in vitro erythemal UVA protection factor. In order to quantify the photoprotective effect, some selected cream formulations based on BMDBM-LNs and a conventional emulsion were exposed to photochemical UV irradiation at a low energy to simulate the solar energy during the midday. The results obtained demonstrated the high ability of cream formulations based on BMDBM-LNs to absorb more than 96% of UVA radiation. Moreover, the developed cosmetic formulations manifest an enhanced UVA blocking effect, the erythemal UVA protection factor being four times higher than those specific to conventional emulsions.

Chemical and structural investigation of lipid nanoparticles: drug-lipid interaction and molecular distribution

Lipid nanoparticles are a promising alternative to existing carriers in chemical or drug delivery systems. A key challenge is to determine how chemicals are incorporated and distributed inside nanoparticles, which assists in controlling chemical retention and release characteristics. This study reports the chemical and structural investigation of gamma-oryzanol loading inside a model lipid nanoparticle drug delivery system composed of cetyl palmitate as solid lipid and Miglyol 812 as liquid lipid. The lipid nanoparticles were prepared by high pressure homogenization at varying liquid lipid content, in comparison with the gamma-oryzanol free systems. The size of the lipid nanoparticles, as measured by the photon correlation spectroscopy, was found to decrease with increased liquid lipid content from 200 to 160 nm. High-resolution proton nuclear magnetic resonance ((1)H-NMR) measurements of the medium chain triglyceride of the liquid lipid has confirmed successful incorporation of the liquid lipid in the lipid nanoparticles. Differential scanning calorimetric and powder x-ray diffraction measurements provide complementary results to the (1)H-NMR, whereby the crystallinity of the lipid nanoparticles diminishes with an increase in the liquid lipid content. For the distribution of gamma-oryzanol inside the lipid nanoparticles, the (1)H-NMR revealed that the chemical shifts of the liquid lipid in gamma-oryzanol loaded systems were found at rather higher field than those in gamma-oryzanol free systems, suggesting incorporation of gamma-oryzanol in the liquid lipid. In addition, the phase-separated structure was observed by atomic force microscopy for lipid nanoparticles with 0% liquid lipid, but not for lipid nanoparticles with 5 and 10% liquid lipid. Raman spectroscopic and mapping measurements further revealed preferential incorporation of gamma-oryzanol in the liquid part rather than the solid part of in the lipid nanoparticles. Simple models representing the distribution of gamma-oryzanol and lipids (solid and liquid) inside the lipid nanoparticle systems are proposed.

Lipid nanoparticles (SLN, NLC) in cosmetic and pharmaceutical dermal products

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are distinguishable from nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) by the composition of the solid particle matrix. Both are an alternative carrier system to liposomes and emulsions. This review paper focuses on lipid nanoparticles for dermal application. Production of lipid nanoparticles and final products containing lipid nanoparticles is feasible by well-established production methods. SLN and NLC exhibit many features for dermal application of cosmetics and pharmaceutics, i.e. controlled release of actives, drug targeting, occlusion and associated with it penetration enhancement and increase of skin hydration. Due to the production of lipid nanoparticles from physiological and/or biodegradable lipids, this carrier system exhibits an excellent tolerability. The lipid nanoparticles are a "nanosafe" carrier. Furthermore, an overview of the cosmetic products currently on the market is given and the improvement of the benefit/risk ratio of the topical therapy is shown.