Atorvastatin Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as a Promising Approach for Dermal Delivery and an Anti-inflammatory Agent

Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Simvastatin Using Uncoated and Polymer-Coated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Simvastatin (SVA) is a well-prescribed drug for treating cardiovascular and hypercholesterolemia. Due to the extensive hepatic first-pass metabolism and poor solubility, its oral bioavailability is 5%. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and hydrogel-coated SLNs were investigated to overcome the limited bioavailability of SVA. Four different lipids used alone or in combination with two stabilizers were employed to generate 13 SLNs. Two concentrations of chitosan (CS) and alginate (AL) were coating materials. SLNs were studied for particle size, zeta potential, in vitro release, rheology, and bioavailability. The viscosities of both the bare and coated SLNs exhibited shear-thinning behavior. The viscosity of F11 (Chitosan 1%) at 20 and 40 rpm were 424 and 168 cp, respectively. F11 had a particle size of 260.1 ± 3.72 nm with a higher release; the particle size of F11-CS at 1% was 524.3 ± 80.31 nm. In vivo studies illustrated that F11 had the highest plasma concentration when compared with the SVA suspension and coated chitosan (F11 (Chitosan 1%)). Greater bioavailability is measured as (AUC0→24), as compared to uncoated ones. The AUC for F11, F11-CS 1%, and the SVA suspension were 1880.4, 3562.18, and 272 ng·h/mL, respectively. Both bare and coated SLNs exhibited a significantly higher relative bioavailability when compared to that from the control SVA.

Characterization Methods for Nanoparticle-Skin Interactions: An Overview

Research progresses have led to the development of different kinds of nanoplatforms to deliver drugs through different biological membranes. Particularly, nanocarriers represent a precious means to treat skin pathologies, due to their capability to solubilize lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, to control their release, and to promote their permeation through the stratum corneum barrier. A crucial point in the development of nano-delivery systems relies on their characterization, as well as in the assessment of their interaction with tissues, in order to predict their fate under in vivo administration. The size of nanoparticles, their shape, and the type of matrix can influence their biodistribution inside the skin strata and their cellular uptake. In this respect, an overview of some characterization methods employed to investigate nanoparticles intended for topical administration is presented here, namely dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy. In addition, the main fluorescence methods employed to detect the in vitro nanoparticles interaction with skin cell lines, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting or confocal imaging, are described, considering different examples of applications. Finally, recent studies on the techniques employed to determine the nanoparticle presence in the skin by ex vivo and in vivo models are reported.

Enhanced stability and skin permeation of ibuprofen-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles based binary solid lipid matrix: Effect of surfactant and lipid compositions

Hypothesis

The type of emulsifier selected has an impact on the physicochemical properties of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). This study was designed to compare the effects of emulsifiers on the physicochemical properties and in vitro skin performance of SLNs prepared from a binary mixture of Softisan® 378 (S378) and cetyl palmitate (CP) to those of SLNs prepared from only CP and S378.

Experiments

SLNs were prepared from CP, S378, or a binary mixture of CP and S378 (1:1 w/w) as the lipid phase and stabilized with Tego®Care 450 (TG450) or poloxamer 188 (P188) containing 1.0% w/w ibuprofen loading. The physicochemical properties including the particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), encapsulation efficiency (E.E.), crystallinity (%CI), and polymorphism were determined after production and after storage for 180 days under different conditions. In addition, in vitro drug release and permeation through human skin was studied after production and storage at room temperature for 180 days.

Finding

The particle sizes of ibuprofen-loaded SLNs (IBSLNs) stabilized with P188 (IBSLN-P188) were smaller than those of SLNs stabilized with TG450 (IBSLN-TG450) (p < 0.05). After 180 days, the particle sizes of the IBSLNs were slightly increased compared to those at the initial time but were <250 nm. The IBSLN-TG450 sample showed a higher %CI than IBSLN-P188 prepared with similar propotions of CP and S378, and ibuprofen crystals were observed in the IBSLN1-TG450 sample after storage at 4 °C for 180 days. Based on the result of the in vitro release study and the in vitro skin permeation test, the addition of S378 into the CP-matrix modified ibuprofen release and skin permeation both permeated ibuprofen through the epidermis and retained ibuprofen in the epidermis. In addition, the storage time affected the release and skin permeation of ibuprofen from the SLNs, which depended on the composition of the IBSLNs.

Syringeable atorvastatin loaded eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes in-situ gel for the intra-pocket treatment of periodontitis: statistical optimization and clinical assessment

Atorvastatin calcium (ATV) is a well-known anti-hyperlipidemic drug currently being recognized for possessing an anti-inflammatory effect. Introducing it as a novel remedy for periodontitis treatment necessitates developing a syringeable modified delivery system capable of targeting inflammation within the periodontal pockets. Thus, a 33 Box-Behnken design was used to generate eugenol enriched PEGylated cubosomes. Based on the desirability function, the optimized formulation (OEEPC) was selected exhibiting a solubilization efficiency (SE%) of 97.71 ± 0.49%, particle size (PS) of 135.20 ± 1.11 nm, polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.09 ± 0.006, zeta potential (ZP) of -28.30 ± 1.84 mV and showing a sustained drug release over 12 h. It displayed a cubic structure under the transmission electron microscope, furthermore, it was stable upon storage for up to 30 days. Hence, it was loaded into an optimum syringeable in-situ gel (ISG) which displayed the desired periodontal gelation temperature (34 ± 0.70 °C) and an adequate gelation time (46 ± 2.82 sec), it also released approximately 75% of the drug within 72 h. Clinical evaluation of the ISG showed a promising percentage reduction of about 58.33% in probing depth, 90% in the bleeding index, 81.81% in the plaque index, and 70.21% in gingival levels of transforming growth factor-β1. This proved that the formulated syringeable intra-pocket delivery system of ATV is an efficient candidate for diminishing inflammation in periodontitis.

Taste masking and stability improvement of Korean red ginseng (Panax ginseng) by nanoencapsulation using chitosan and gelatin

In this study, red ginseng extract (RGE)-loaded nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by ionic gelation between chitosan (CS) and gelatin (Gel), and the physical characteristics of the RGE-loaded CS-Gel NPs (RGE-CS/Gel NPs), including particle size and polydispersity index (PDI), using different ratios of CS and Gel were examined. The particle size and PDI were 398.1 ± 41.3 nm and 0.433 ± 0.033, respectively for the optimal ratio of CS (0.075 mg/mL) and Gel (0.05 mg/mL). In vitro taste masking test and in vivo sensory evaluation using 10 panelists demonstrated that the CS/Gel NPs significantly reduced the bitter taste of RGE. Additionally, the CS/Gel NPs improved the thermal and acid stabilities, which were almost 6 and 8 times higher than those in the free RGE (p < 0.05), respectively. Likewise, our findings revealed that the RGE-CS/Gel NPs effectively maintain their inhibitory function against platelet aggregation (76.30 %) in an acidic environment. Therefore, the CS/Gel NPs can be used as a potential delivery system to mask the bitterness and improve the stability of RGE, which may enhance its application as a more palatable functional food ingredient with high anti-platelet activity.

Formulation, and Optimization of Transdermal Atorvastatin Calcium-Loaded Ultra-flexible Vesicles; Ameliorates Poloxamer 407-caused Dyslipidemia

Atorvastatin calcium (AC), a cholesterol-lowering medication, has limited oral bioavailability (14%) and adverse impacts on the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver, and muscle. So, in an effort to improve the poor availability and overcome the hepatotoxicity complications attendant to peroral AC administration, transdermal transfersomal gel (AC-TFG) was developed as a convenient alternative delivery technique. The impact of utilizing an edge activator (EA) and varying the phosphatidylcholine (PC): EA molar ratio on the physico-chemical characteristics of the vesicles was optimized through a Quality by Design (QbD) strategy. The optimal transdermal AC-TFG was tested in an ex-vivo permeation study employing full-thickness rat skin, Franz cell experiments, an in-vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) evaluation, and a comparison to oral AC using poloxamer-induced dyslipidemic Wister rats. The optimized AC-loaded TF nanovesicles predicted by the 2³-factorial design strategy had a good correlation with the measured vesicle diameter of 71.72 ± 1.159 nm, encapsulation efficiency of 89.13 ± 0.125%, and cumulative drug release of 88.92 ± 3.78% over 24 hours. Ex-vivo data revealed that AC-TF outperformed a free drug in terms of permeation. The pharmacokinetic parameters of optimized AC-TFG demonstrated 2.5- and 13.3-fold significant improvements in bioavailability in comparison to oral AC suspension (AC-OS) and traditional gel (AC-TG), respectively. The transdermal vesicular technique preserved the antihyperlipidemic activity of AC-OS without increasing hepatic markers. Such enhancement was proven histologically by preventing the hepatocellular harm inflicted by statins. The results showed that the transdermal vesicular system is a safe alternative way to treat dyslipidemia with AC, especially when given over a long period of time.

Recent Progress of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as Ocular Drug Delivery Platforms

Sufficient ocular bioavailability is often considered a challenge by the researchers, due to the complex structure of the eye and its protective physiological mechanisms. In addition, the low viscosity of the eye drops and the resulting short ocular residence time further contribute to the observed low drug concentration at the target site. Therefore, various drug delivery platforms are being developed to enhance ocular bioavailability, provide controlled and sustained drug release, reduce the number of applications, and maximize therapy outcomes. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) exhibit all these benefits, in addition to being biocompatible, biodegradable, and susceptible to sterilization and scale-up. Furthermore, their successive surface modification contributes to prolonged ocular residence time (by adding cationic compounds), enhanced penetration, and improved performance. The review highlights the salient characteristics of SLNs and NLCs concerning ocular drug delivery, and updates the research progress in this area.

Atorvastatin ameliorated PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis in rats

PM2.5 provokes atherosclerotic events. Atorvastatin presents anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, and may ameliorate PM2.5-induced atherosclerosis development. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cardiotoxic effect of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) on atherosclerosis (AS) in rats, and the intervention effects of atorvastatin (ATO) on PM_2.5-induced AS development. AS model was established using 32 male Wistar rats through intraperitoneal injection of vitamin D3 combined with a high-fat diet (10% fat and 4% cholesterol). The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, PM_2.5-exposed group, ATO group, and ATO treated PM_2.5-exposed group. PM_2.5 increased levels of TC, TG, LDL, MDA, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as decreased SOD levels. Besides, PM_2.5 also enhanced AI. After the treatment of ATO, most levels of various contents in serum, including TC, TG, LDL, MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, hS-CRP, and ox-LDL, significantly decreased compared to the PM_2.5-exposed group. Moreover, after the treatment of ATO, AI was significantly reduced compared to the PM_2.5-exposed group. In addition, PM_2.5 exacerbated the nuclear translocation and ATO resulted in an obvious decrease in PM_2.5-induced nuclear translocation. The present study suggests that PM_2.5 could induce oxidative damage and systemic inflammatory response in atherosclerosis model rats, while ATO could ameliorate PM_2.5-induced atherosclerosis development, possibly by lowering lipid, inhibiting inflammation, and suppressing oxidation.

The Human Dermis as a Target of Nanoparticles for Treating Skin Conditions

Skin has a preventive role against any damage raised by harmful microorganisms and physical and chemical assaults from the external environment that could affect the body's internal organs. Dermis represents the main section of the skin, and its contribution to skin physiology is critical due to its diverse cellularity, vasculature, and release of molecular mediators involved in the extracellular matrix maintenance and modulation of the immune response. Skin structure and complexity limit the transport of substances, promoting the study of different types of nanoparticles that penetrate the skin layers under different mechanisms intended for skin illness treatments and dermo-cosmetic applications. In this work, we present a detailed morphological description of the dermis in terms of its structures and resident cells. Furthermore, we analyze the role of the dermis in regulating skin homeostasis and its alterations in pathophysiological conditions, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target. Additionally, we describe the use of nanoparticles for skin illness treatments focused on dermis release and promote the use of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as an integrative strategy for skin treatments.

Hypolipidemic Activity of Olive Oil-Based Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Containing Atorvastatin

Currently, hyperlipidemia is a growing health issue that is considered a risk factor for obesity. Controlling body weight and modifying life style in most of cases are not adequate and the condition requires medical treatment. Statin drugs (mainly Atorvastatin (ATO)), have been used broadly and for long time as medications for handling higher levels of lipid, especially bad cholesterol, which accordingly controls the prevalence of obesity. Still, the obstacle that stands in front of any formulation is the poor solubility of the drug. Low solubility of ATO came up with poor absorption as well as poor bioavailability. This paved the way for the present study, which aimed to exploit nanotechnology and develop certain nanolipid carriers that could accommodate hydrophobic drugs, such as ATO. Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) containing ATO was fabricated using olive oil. Olive oil is natural plant oil possessing confirmed hypolipidemic activity that would help in improving the efficacy of the formulation. Via applying the Quality by Design (QbD) approach, one NLC formula was selected to be optimized based on appropriate size and higher entrapment. Optimized ATO-NLC was scrutinized for zeta potential, in vitro study and kinetic profile. Moreover, stability testing and in vivo hypolipidemic behavior was conducted. The optimized NLC formulation seemed to show particle size (254.23 nm) with neutral zeta potential (−1.77 mV) and entrapment efficiency (69.56%). The formulation could be prolonged for 12 h and provided higher % of release (97.17%). Stability testing confirmed the role of modifying the surface of the formulation with PEG-DSPE in providing a highly stable formulation that could withstand three months storage in two altered conditions. Ultimately, optimized ATO-NLC could successfully lower total cholesterol level in rats induced with obesity and fed a high-fat diet. Remarkably, ATO-NLC prepared with olive oil, in addition to shielding its surface, would provide a stable formulation that holds up the synergistic action between olive oil and ATO.

Inhaled Atorvastatin Nanoparticles For Lung Cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer is one of the main causes of mortality globally. This research paper aims at the development of an inhaled nanotechnology for lung cancer to deliver an atorvastatin calcium compound, for lung cancer, capable of reaching the tumor site directly via inhalation.

METHODS

Atorvastatin calcium micellar nanoparticles (ATO-NPs) encapsulated with Pluronic F-127 and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were manufactured utilizing the solvent and anti-solvent precipitation technique. The physicochemical features of the formulation were evaluated in terms of their physicochemical characteristics using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and dynamic light scattering. Additionally, the Andersen Cascade impactor was used at 15 L/minutes to assist in the aerosols performances of the formulation. The ATO-NPs formula's cell viability was tested in vitro using the A549 non-small cell lung cancer cell type.

RESULTS

Transmission electron microscopy was utilized to determine the ATO-NPs particle morphology, demonstrating a spherical shape with a smooth surface. The fine particle fraction of the aerosol produced was 62.70 ± 1.18%. This finding suggests that atorvastatin micellar nanoparticles are suitable for medication administration by inhalation with a wide particle size dispersion. Moreover, it was found in vitro that concentrations up to 21 µg/mL of the atorvastatin nanoparticles were safe and non-toxic on the cell model.

CONCLUSION

This study found that atorvastatin micellar nanoparticles for inhalation could potentially be used for lung cancer treatment.

Atorvastatin Entrapped Noisome (Atrosome): Green Preparation Approach for Wound Healing

The present study aimed to formulate atorvastatin niosome (Atrosome) through an ultrasonic technique and to determine its contribution to the extent of wound healing in an animal model. The optimized Atrosome formulation (Atrosome-2) was stable at 4 °C for 3 months. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), ATR-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis revealed that atorvastatin (ATR) was well encapsulated within the niosomes either in a stabilized amorphous form or a molecularly dispersed state. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atomic force microscope (AFM) confirmed the spherical nature of the Atrosomes. The optimized formulation showed polydispersity index, particle size, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and zeta potential of 0.457 ± 0.05, 196.33 ± 6.45 nm, 86.15 ± 0.58 %, and - 20.73 ± 0.98 mV, respectively. ATR release from the Atrosome gel followed the first-order kinetic model and showed no cytotoxicity in the in vitro cytotoxicity test. Cell viability (human foreskin fibroblast cell line) was nearly 99%. An excision wound model was also applied in male Wistar rats to examine the in vivo efficacy of the optimized formulation, followed by investigating malondialdehyde (MDA, an end-product of lipid peroxidation), superoxide dismutase (SOD, an endogenous antioxidant), hydroxyproline levels, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in skin tissue samples. MDA significantly decreased in the Atrosome gel group after 21 days, while GPx, SOD, and hydroxyproline levels demonstrated an increase. According to histological results, rats receiving Atrosomes were treated effectively faster when compared to the other formulation used.

Design and Characterization of Atorvastatin Dry Powder Formulation as a potential Lung Cancer Treatment

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death. Many studies have shown the beneficial effects of Atorvastatin in decreasing the mortality risk and improving survival among patients with lung cancer. This research paper focuses on improving AVT cytotoxic activity and cellular uptake by developing mannitol microcarriers as a promising drug delivery system for lung cancer treatment and, studying the impact of improving inhalation deposition on the delivery and Dry Powder formulations efficiency. The AVT loaded mannitol (AM) microparticles (AVT-AM) formulation was prepared by spray drying and characterized for its physicochemical properties and aerodynamic deposition. The results revealed that the AVT-AM formulation has good flow properties and aerosol deposition with a particle size of 3418 nm ± 26.86. The formulation was also assessed in vitro for cytotoxicity effects (proliferation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression) on A549 human lung adenocarcinoma. Compared with free AVT, the AVT-AM formulation has significantly higher cellular uptake and anti-cancer properties by disrupting cell cycle progression via either apoptosis or cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. This study shows that AVT loaded mannitol microcarriers may provide a potentially effective and sustained pulmonary drug delivery for lung cancer treatment.

Oleic acid-reinforced PEGylated polymethacrylate transdermal film with enhanced antidyslipidemic activity and bioavailability of atorvastatin: A mechanistic ex-vivo/in-vivo analysis

To enhance the poor bioavailability and extensive liver metabolism of atorvastatin calcium (ATC), we have developed an oleic acid-reinforced PEGylated polymethacrylate (OLA-PEG-E-RLPO) transdermal film as a convenient and alternative delivery system. The effect of varying levels of Eudragit RLPO, PEG 400, and oleic acid on the target product profile was optimized through Quality by Design (QbD) approach. The ATC-loaded OLA-PEG-E-RLPO transdermal films were evaluated in ex-vivo experiments using full thickness skin, utilizing Franz cell studies, and undergone in-vivo pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD) assessment, using poloxamer-induced dyslipidemic Sprague-Dawley rats. At 2 and 12 h, the optimized ATC films with a thickness of 0.79 mm showed permeation of 37.34% and 97.23% into the receptor compartment, respectively. Steady-state flux was 0.172 mg/cm²h, with 7.01 × 10^-4 cm/h permeability coefficient, and 0.713 × 10^-3 cm²/h diffusion coefficient. In-vivo PK results indicated that the absorption profiles (AUC_0-∞) of the optimized film in pre-treated group of animals were 8.6-fold and 2.8-fold greater than controls pre-treated with non-PEGylated non-oleic acid film and orally administered ATC, respectively. PD assessment of the lipid panel indicated that the lipid profile of the optimized film pre-treated group reached normal levels after 12 h, along with the significant enhancement over the non-PEGylated non-oleic acid film and the oral marketed tablet groups. The histopathological findings revealed near-normal hepatocyte structure for the optimized film pre-treated animal group. Our results further indicate that transdermal delivery films based on an optimized ATC-loaded OLA-PEG-E-RLPO were successfully developed and their assessment in both ex-vivo and in-vivo suggests enhanced permeability and improvement in bioavailability and antidyslipidemic activity of ATC. This approach can provide several advantages, especially during chronic administration of ATC, including improvement in patient compliance, therapeutic benefits, bioavailability, and feasibility for commercialization and as a platform for other drug classes.

Atorvastatin (ATV)-Loaded Lipid Bilayer-Coated Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Enhance the Therapeutic Efficacy of Acute Kidney Injury

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) increases the risk of chronic kidney disease. Atorvastatin (ATV)-loaded lipid bilayer-coated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (L-AMSNs) were synthesized, and their physicochemical parameters were characterized. L-AMSNs exhibited excellent stability; it did not increase in size over time, indicating that the lipid membrane coating prohibited mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) coalescence. Results: The rate of drug release differed significantly between AMSNs and L-AMSNs at all tested time points. A remarkable improvement in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-treated human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) viability was observed after treatment with L-AMSNs; the malondialdehyde (MDA) level was significantly reduced compared to control cells. The extent of apoptosis was only 15% that of control H₂O₂-treated cells. L-AMSNs induced a remarkable decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α and interleukin [IL]-6), showing the therapeutic potential of nanocarrier-based ATV. L-AMSNs significantly increased the superoxide dismutase level and decreased the MDA level, indicating superior anti-inflammatory activity under conditions of oxidative stress. The L-AMSN showed a remarkable improvement in the outer stripe of outer medulla (OSOM) region and maintained the tubular structure of the kidney tissue. Besides, kidney injury score of L-AMSN is significantly lower compared to that of LPS-AKI and ATV indicating the excellent therapeutic efficacy of nanoparticulate system based L-AMSN. Conclusions: Nanoparticles system-based L-AMSNs maintained the tubular structure of kidney tissue, indicating excellent therapeutic efficacy. After clinical translation, L-AMSNs could serve as a promising treatment for AKI.

Determination of Atorvastatin with Voltammetric Sensors Based on Nanomaterials

This paper presents an accurate and fast electrochemical method for atorvastatin determination in pharmaceutical products. Two screen-printed sensors, one—carbon based (SPCE) and one based on carbon nanotubes and gold nanoparticles (AuNP-CNT/SPCE) were used during the electrochemical analyses. At all experimental stages, cyclic voltammetry was employed, both for the characterization of the sensors and their electrochemical behavior, and for quantitative determinations. AuNP-CNT/SPCE has showed an extended active area, higher intensity peaks, better reversibility and lower background current than the unmodified sensor. For atorvastatin quantification, a calibration curve has been developed within the 1.2–606.25 µM concentration range. A linearity relation between the current of the anodic peak and concentration has been obtained in the range 1.2–53.33 µMfor both sensors. With the AuNP-CNT/SPCE sensor, low values of limit of detection, LOD (1.92 × 10−7 M) and limit of quantification, LOQ (6.39 × 10−7 M) have been obtained, which demonstrates the feasibility of the method of determining atorvastatin from real samples. Atorvastatin amount has been successfully determined from pharmaceutical products using AuNP-CNT/SPCE. The results were similar to the manufacturer’s specifications regarding the dosage per tablet and to the concentrations obtained by applying the FTIR spectrometric method.

Topical transdermal chemoprevention of breast cancer: where will nanomedical approaches deliver us?

Despite the high incidence of breast cancer, there are few pharmacological prevention strategies for the high-risk population and those that are available have low adherence. Strategies that deliver drugs directly to the breasts may increase drug local concentrations, improving efficacy, safety and acceptance. The skin of the breast has been proposed as an administration route for local transdermal therapy, which may improve drug levels in the mammary tissue, due to both deep local penetration and percutaneous absorption. In this review, we discuss the application of nanotechnology-based strategies for the delivery of well established and new agents as well as drug repurposing using the topical transdermal route to improve the outcomes of preventive therapy for breast cancer.

Comprehensive Study of Atorvastatin Nanostructured Lipid Carriers through Multivariate Conceptualization and Optimization

The aim of the current study is to establish a comprehensive experimental design for the screening and optimization of Atorvastatin-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (AT-NLCs). Initially, combined D-optimal screening design was applied to find the most significant factors affecting AT-NLCs properties. The studied variables included mixtures of solid and liquid lipids, the solid/liquid lipid ratio, surfactant type and concentration, homogenization speed as well as sonication time. Then, the variables homogenization speed (A), the ratio of solid lipid/liquid lipid (B), and concentration of the surfactant (C) were optimized using a central composite design. Particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency were chosen as dependent responses. The optimized AT-NLCs demonstrated a nanometric size (83.80 ± 1.13 nm), Polydispersity Index (0.38 ± 0.02), surface charge (-29.65 ± 0.65 mV), and high drug incorporation (93.1 ± 0.04%). Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis showed no chemical interaction between Atorvastatin and the lipid mixture. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analysis of the AT-NLCs suggested the transformation of Atorvastatin crystal into an amorphous state. Administration of the optimized AT-NLCs led to a significant reduction (p < 0.001) in serum levels of rats' total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins. This change was histologically validated by reducing the relevant steatosis of the liver.