Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with iron to overcome barriers for treatment of iron deficiency anemia

According to the World Health Organization, 46% of the world’s children suffer from anemia, which is usually treated with iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate. The aim of this study was to prepare iron as solid lipid nanoparticles, in order to find an innovative way for alleviating the disadvantages associated with commercially available tablets. These limitations include adverse effects on the digestive system resulting in constipation and blood in the stool. The second drawback is the high variability in the absorption of iron and thus in its bioavailability. Iron solid lipid nanoparticles (Fe-SLNs) were prepared by hot homogenization/ultrasonication. Solubility of ferrous sulfate in different solid lipids was measured, and effects of process variables such as the surfactant type and concentration, homogenization and ultrasonication times, and charge-inducing agent on the particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were determined. Furthermore, in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetics were studied in rabbits. Results indicated that Fe-SLNs consisted of 3% Compritol 888 ATO, 1% Lecithin, 3% Poloxamer 188, and 0.2% dicetylphosphate, with an average particle size of 25 nm with 92.3% entrapment efficiency. In vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed more than fourfold enhanced bioavailability. In conclusion, Fe-SLNs could be a promising carrier for iron with enhanced oral bioavailability.

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.

S. Formulation Design, Optimization, and Evaluation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded With an Antiviral Drug Tenofovir Using Box-Behnken Design for Boosting Oral Bioavailability

Purpose: The current study aimed to improve the oral bioavailability of tenofovir (TNF), an antihuman immunodeficiency viral (HIV) drug, by integrating it into solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), an emerging lipid formulation. Method: The suggested SLNs were generated utilizing the microemulsion process, using Compritol 888 ATO. A Box-Behnken experimental design was attempted to analyze the impact of critical quality attributes (CQAs), such as lipid and surfactant content and homogenization duration on response metrics such as particle size (PS) and percentage entrapment. The prepared SLNs were assessed for entrapment efficiency, zeta potential (ZP), PS, polydispersity index, and in vitro drug release. Moreover, ex vivo permeation tests employing goat intestinal sacs, solid-state characterization by DSC and PXRD, surface morphology by SEM, and in vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation using albino Wistar rats were conducted. Results: The research findings demonstrated that a formulation composed of 5.5% lipid and 2% surfactant had a comparatively smaller PS (449.90 ± 4.79 nm), a narrow size distribution (0.304 ± 0.004), and strong stability with an entrapment efficiency of 83.13 ± 6.34% and a negative ZP (-18.10 ± 2.35 mV). According to in vitro drug release experiments, first-order kinetics were followed and 99% of the medication was released over the time course of 24 h. In albino Wistar rats, an in vivo pharmacokinetic analysis of the optimized formulation (F10) showed a 12.4-fold improvement in bioavailability over pure TNF solution. Conclusion: This study suggests the potential of SLNs in overcoming bioavailability issues, particularly low permeability, gut metabolism, and P-gp efflux transport.