Solid lipid microspheres decorated nanoparticles as drug carriers

Abstract

While Pickering emulsions have been known since 1906, where oil droplets are dispersed in aqueous media owing to nanoparticles decorating each oil droplet, no solid lipid microparticles decorated with nanoparticles have been described. These Solid-Pickering microparticles are surfactant-free micro-scale spherical active agent carriers composed of beeswax as a natural solid lipid with chitosan and starch nanoparticles embedded in the surface. Microparticles of this type were made by dispersing molten lipid in hot aqueous media containing dispersed nanoparticles to create microdroplets. Once the droplets are cooled below the melting point of the lipid, the microparticles of spherical form are obtained. The novel system allows encapsulation of active agents within a solid lipid core which is slowly released over time. It has been demonstrated through encapsulation of Ibuprofen and Lidocaine as a model poorly water-soluble drugs and an extended-release profile (for at least a week) was achieved. These Solid Pickering microparticles can be used in food, medicine, agriculture, and personal care products.