Optimized Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Formulation Research Articles

The effect of physical stability and modified gastrointestinal tract behaviour of resveratrol-loaded NLCs encapsulated alginate beads.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) have low storage and gastrointestinal stability, limiting their applicability. The work aimed to elevate the stability and behaviour of NLC in the alimentary tract by creating an alginate bead. Through the extrusion dropping procedure, Resveratrol (RES)-loaded NLC were efficiently integrated into alginate beads. The incorporation had no significant impact on the particle size, morphology, or inner structure of NLC, as assessed using DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red). Incorporating NLC into alginate beads improves its physical stability compared to dispersion of NLC as well as NLC-Sol. An in vitro release investigation found that the NLC-alginate beads released RES more slowly than optimized NLC formulation (RES-NLCs-opt) and NLC-alginate sol. Research on simulated in vitro digestive models revealed that just a small amount of integrated NLC may permeate stomach fluid due to its tiny size. The slow diffusion of NLC from alginate to intestinal fluid prevented aggregation and allowed for gentle hydrolysis of the lipid matrix. Incorporating NLC in alginate beads shows promise for improving stability, modifying gastrointestinal behaviour, and controlling release throughout the process of digestion.

Improved Transdermal Delivery of Anti-hypertensive Drug Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Statistical Design, Optimization, Depiction and Pharmacokinetic Assessment

Background: The vasoselective calcium-channel blocker lercanidipine hydrochloride (LCH) is poorly absorbed orally (only 10% bioavailability) owing to its low solubility and hepatic metabolism. Because of the LCH's poor solubility and permeability, bioavailability is low and very variable, stable aqueous liquid formulations are challenging to create, and a uniform distribution of the medication is almost impossible to produce. Objective: The purpose of this research was to see whether an approach involving the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) might be used to create an effective, innovative oral formulation of LCH. The efficacy of several synthetic and natural liquid lipids was compared using a hot homogenization-ultrasonication strategy. Methods: Following initial improvements with hot homogenization and ultrasonication, the LCHloaded NLCs formulation was fine-tuned by Box-Behnken statistical analysis. The optimal LCHNLCs composition includes the lipid phase (2-4% w/v) of stearic acid and oleic acid, the surfactants poloxamer 188 (1%) and Tween 80(1%), and other ingredients. Results: The optimized NLCs formulation was found to have mean vesicle sizes of 128.72±1.59 nm, polydispersity indices of 0.169±0.06, zeta potentials of -36.81±0.42 mV, and entrapment efficiencies of 79.84±0.11%. The optimized NLCs formulation released much more LCH (88.74±4.62) than the LCH-suspension (36.84±0.37%) in in-vitro drug release experiments lasting up to 24 hours. Ex vivo studies on the ability of LCH-NLCs to pass through the gut showed that drug permeation was much better than it was with plain LCH-solution. The in vivo pharmacodynamic analysis demonstrated that, compared to conventional LCH-suspension, NLCs released LCH more slowly and steadily over a longer time period. Conclusion: These findings provide additional evidence that NLCs have great promise as a drug delivery technology for the treatment of hypertension, just as they show promise as a controlled release formulation for the treatment of LCH.

Quercetin and Morin dual drug loaded nanostructured lipid carriers: formulation and in vitro cytotoxicity study on MCF7 breast cancer cells

The aim of the study was to prepare nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) co-encapsulated with Quercetin and Morin and to compare the cytotoxicity of the NLCs with individual drugs as well as with their combination form. The Quercetin and Morin co-encapsulated NLCs were prepared by ultrasonication method. The size of the NLCs particles, the zeta potential value, % of drug entrapment efficiency (% EE), and % of cumulative drug release (% CDR) were estimated. The in vitro cytotoxicity study was carried out in MCF 7 cancer cell. The size of the NLCs particles ranged from 297.6 ± 14.1 to 456.4 ± 14.1 nm. The % EE of Quercetin and Morin in the optimized NLCs formulation (F6) were found to be 84.27 ± 2.1% and 87.11 ± 2.6%, respectively. However, the % CDR of Morin and Quercetin from the F6 formulation were 72.11 ± 3.4% and 81.56 ± 3.6%, respectively. The results of FTIR spectroscopy study indicated that the functional groups of Quercetin and Morin were remained intact in NLCs formulations. The TEM study result revealed that the prepared NLCs were spherical in shape. The in vitro cytotoxicity study result revealed that dual drug loaded NLCs showed higher cytotoxicity as compared to individual drug and their combinations. It was concluded that the Quercetin and Morin co-encapsulated NLCs formulation could be a promising candidate for combating the chemotherapy resistance in breast cancer.

Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Based Delivery of Pioglitazone for Treatment of Type 2 Diabetes.

Pioglitazone (PGZ) is utilized as a therapeutic agent in the management of (type 2) diabetes to control blood glucose levels. The existing research work was intended to make and optimize PGZ-containing NLCs (nanostructured lipid carriers). The fabricated nanostructured lipid carrier preparation was optimized by using different concentrations of the surfactants (Tween 80 and Span 80) and solid lipid (Compritol® 888 ATO) and liquid lipid (Labrasol®) while keeping the concentration of drug (PGZ), and co-surfactants (poloxamer 188) the same. The optimized NLC formulation (PGZ-NLCs) was further assessed for physical and chemical characterization, in vitro PGZ release, and stability studies. The optimized PGZ-NLCs have shown an average diameter of 150.4 nm, EE of 92.53%, PDI value of 0.076, and zeta-potential of −29.1 mV, correspondingly. The DSC thermal analysis and XRD diffractograms had not presented the spectrum of PGZ, confirming the comprehensive encapsulation of PGZ in the lipid core. PGZ-NLCs showed significantly extended release (51% in 24 h) compared to the unformulated PGZ. Our study findings confirmed that PGZ-NLCs can be a promising drug delivery system for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Solid nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with silymarin for oral delivery: Formulation development and evaluation

The present study was aimed at preparing stable dry adsorbed nanoparticles (DANs) of silymarin loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The prepared silymarin loaded NLCs and DANs were characterized for various quality parameters. Silymarin loaded NLCs were prepared by a modified hot melt emulsification ultra-sonication method using glyceryl monostearate (GMS), capmul MCM C8 EP (CAP) and gelucire 50/13 (G50/13) as solid lipid, liquid lipid and surfactant respectively. For better stability, NLC dispersion was converted into DANs by adsorbing them onto some suitable carriers. NLCs and DANs were characterized for particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, assay, thermal behavior, crystallinity and morphological study. The optimized NLCs have a mean particle size of 206.1±012.5 nm (size distribution of 0.249±0.058), a zeta potential of -32.5±1.2 mV with high entrapment of 95.60±0.45% and drug loading of 1.90±0.08%. The X-ray diffraction and endothermic peaks confirmed the maximum encapsulation of active in lipid matrices. The particles were spherical with smooth surface morphology. In-vitro release studies showed sustained drug release for up to 24 h. Ex-vivo permeation in the presence and absence of lymphatic blocker indicates the uptake of silymarin loaded NLCs by the lymphatic route. Silymarin loaded NLCs prepared had a nanosize distribution with high entrapment efficiency. The ex-vivo permeation study for optimized NLC formulation exhibited the lymphatic uptake of active. Dispersion stability was increased by preparing the DANs. The solid dry powder is used for oral reconstitution and can be further converted into tablets or filled into capsules.

Refinement of Simvastatin and Nifedipine combined delivery through multivariate conceptualization and optimization of the nanostructured lipid carriers

PurposeThis study aims to benefit from the capabilities of quality by design (QbD) and design of experiments (DoE) to develop and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) entrapping both Simvastatin (SIM) and Nifedipine (NIF) with the best formulation parameters through screening and optimization stages. MethodsNLCs loaded with both SIM and NIF (SIM-NIF-NLCs) were prepared by emulsification evaporation method followed by homogenization. Different factors that may affect the NLCs characteristics were screened using D-optimal design. The effect of the most significant variables on the NLCs quality was optimized using a central composite design. The optimized SIM-NIF-NLCs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transforms infrared spectrometry (FTIR). Furthermore, in vitro release and pharmacodynamics of the optimized NLCs formulation were studied. ResultsThe optimized SIM-NIF-NLCs had a particle size of less than 200 nm and high entrapment efficiency. DSC results showed that SIM and NIF were completely incorporated in the lipids at an amorphous state. The pharmacodynamics study showed that the optimized SIM-NIF-NLCs have a great potential in lowering blood cholesterol levels compared to the individual drug suspensions with a dose reduction of both drugs. ConclusionThis investigation revealed the potential use of both D optimal design and central composite design as valuable tools to recognize the most significant formulation variables as well as to optimize these variables to achieve NLCs with optimal characteristics.

Articaine in functional NLC show improved anesthesia and anti-inflammatory activity in zebrafish

Anesthetic failure is common in dental inflammation processes, even when modern agents, such as articaine, are used. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are systems with the potential to improve anesthetic efficacy, in which active excipients can provide desirable properties, such as anti-inflammatory. Coupling factorial design (FD) for in vitro formulation development with in vivo zebrafish tests, six different NLC formulations, composed of synthetic (cetyl palmitate/triglycerides) or natural (avocado butter/olive oil/copaiba oil) lipids were evaluated for loading articaine. The formulations selected by FD were physicochemically characterized, tested for shelf stability and in vitro release kinetics and had their in vivo effect (anti-inflammatory and anesthetic effect) screened in zebrafish. The optimized NLC formulation composed of avocado butter, copaiba oil, Tween 80 and 2% articaine showed adequate physicochemical properties (size = 217.7 ± 0.8 nm, PDI = 0.174 ± 0.004, zeta potential = − 40.2 ± 1.1 mV, %EE = 70.6 ± 1.8) and exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. The anesthetic effect on touch reaction and heart rate of zebrafish was improved to 100 and 60%, respectively, in comparison to free articaine. The combined FD/zebrafish approach was very effective to reveal the best articaine-in-NLC formulation, aiming the control of pain at inflamed tissues.

Optimized Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Integrated into In Situ Nasal Gel for Enhancing Brain Delivery of Flibanserin.

Background and AimFlibanserin (FLB) is a multifunctional serotonergic agent used for treating hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women via oral administration. FLB has a reported limited oral bioavailability of 33% that could be attributed to the drug’s first-pass metabolism. In addition, FLB has a pH-dependent solubility that could be a challenging factor for drug dissolution in the body neutral fluid, and consequently, absorption via mucosal barriers. Thus, this work aims at investigating the potential of utilizing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks and to enhance nose-to-brain drug delivery.MethodsBox-Behnken design was applied to explore the impact of solid lipid % (SL%, X1), liquid lipid % (LL%, X2), and sonication time (ST, X3) on particle size. The optimized NLC formulation was characterized and incorporated into gellan gum in situ gel. The prepared gel was subjected to in vitro drug release, in vivo pharmacokinetic performance, and histopathological assessment in rats.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed a significant negative effect for both SL% and ST on NLCs size. In contrast, a significant positive effect was observed for the LL%. The optimized formulation showed spherical shape with vesicular size of 114.63 nm. The optimized FLB-NLC in situ gel exhibited adequate stability and enhanced in vitro release compared to raw FLB control gel. The plasma and brain concentrations of the drug after nasal administration in rats increased by more than 3–6-fold, respectively, compared to raw FLB in situ gel. In addition, the histopathological studies revealed the absence of any pathological signs.ConclusionThe aforementioned results highlight the safety of FLB-NLC in situ nasal gel and its potential to improve the drug bioavailability and brain delivery.

Optimization and in vitro/in vivo performance of paclitaxel-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers for breast cancer treatment

Despite the wide use of paclitaxel (PTX) as antitumor drug, its intravenous administration is still limited by the low aqueous solubility (<1.0 μg/mL; log P = 3.96). Taxol® is the main commercial PTX-based product, but the high concentration of surfactant and ethanol necessary for PTX solubilization is usually associated with severe toxic effects. The incorporation of PTX into lipid nanocarriers has been considered an interesting nontoxic alternative to Taxol®, however, the drug loading is usually low. Thus, our main goal was to incorporate PTX in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) with high encapsulation efficiency and suitable characteristics for the evaluation of in vitro and in vivo biological responses. The optimized NLC formulation presented average size of 213 ± 9 nm, negative zeta potential (−18 ± 3 mV) and high encapsulation (0.9 mg/mL), as confirmed by FTIR and XRD analyses. The in vitro cytotoxic and anti-clonogenic effects of NLC-PTX against MDA-MB-231 cells were significantly higher than free PTX, and no significant cytotoxicity was found against L929 fibroblast cells. Radiolabeling of NLC-PTX with 99mTc was successfully attained (over 90% radiopurity) and stable in saline and mice plasma. The 99mTc-NLC-PTX showed a tumor accumulation 1.5- and 1.7-fold higher than the 99mTc-PTX dispersion in tumor-bearing mice after 30 and 120 min of post-administration, respectively. Therefore, PTX was successfully incorporated into NLC, with physicochemical characteristics suitable for intravenous administration, and with suggestive collaborative use in new strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.

Optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers loaded with retinoids by central composite design

The aim of this study was to design and optimize a new formulation of lipid nanoparticles for the topical administration of retinoids. The standard procedure involves nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) synthesized by the miniemulsion methodology, using sunflower oil as a bioactive ingredient and retinyl palmitate (RP) as model retinoid.A 5-factor, 3-level central composite design was used to predict responses and construct 3D-response contour plots. The independent variables were the concentration of total lipids, solid lipid, surfactant, encapsulated retinoid and number of carbons on the solid lipid fatty acid chain length, in function of the selected responses as the particle size, surface charge of the nanoparticles and the encapsulation efficiency (EE %) at 3 levels. Experimental trials were performed at all 31 possible combinations.An optimized NLC composition of 2.5% total lipids, 2.0% myristic acid and 0.5% sunflower oil and 1.5% of surfactant Tween 80 was reached. The type of surfactant was adjusted from Tween 80 to Span 80 to improve the electrostatic stability of the lipid nanoparticles and the resultant optimized NLC formulation was evaluated to incorporate another two retinoids as tretinoin (TRT) and adapalene (ADP).The resultant retinoid delivery systems were characterized in terms of particle size and electrostatic stability, morphology, crystallinity of the lipid matrix, EE (%) and drug loading capacity and release profile. Particle sizes of 134.5 ± 5.4 nm and zeta potential values of −57.0 ± 2.8 mV were obtained for optimized ADP-NLCs and high entrapment efficiency values were obtained for RP-NLC, TRT-NLC and ADP-NLC as 84.4 ± 3.0%, 84.1 ± 7.8% and 73.7 ± 3.3%, respectively. DSC analysis indicated that the melting temperatures of the three optimized NLCs loaded with the retinoids were above 40 °C, proving to be suitable for use in topical administration. The in vitro drug release studies were conducted for 48 h, using a dialysis regenerated cellulose membrane. The results demonstrated a very well-controlled release of RP and TRT, which improves the stability of these active compounds and confirms a high encapsulation efficiency.

Preparation of Ondansetron Hydrochloride-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Using Solvent Injection Method for Enhancement of Pharmacokinetic Properties

This study aimed to incorporate ondansetron hydrochloride (ODS), a water-soluble drug into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) to improve the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug. NLCs were produced by solvent injection method. Various parameters of formulation and process were assessed to enhance the drug incorporation into NLCs. Physicochemical analyses, in vitro drug release, and pharmacokinetic studies were performed. Entrapment efficiency (EE) of ODS was considerably improved (>90%) by increasing pH of the aqueous phase. The use of an appropriate level of liquid lipid resulted in small, monodispersed NLCs with the enhanced EE and drug loading (DL). The optimized NLCs formulation exhibited particle size of 185.2 ± 1.9nm, polydispersity index of 0.214 ± 0.006, EE of 93.2 ± 0.5%, and DL of 10.43 ± 0.05% as well as an in vitro sustained-release profile of ODS. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray powder diffraction suggested the amorphous state of ODS in the NLCs. The pharmacokinetic study in rats exhibited the sustained-release characteristic of the optimized ODS-loaded NLCs following subcutaneous administration with an extended Tmax and mean residence time as well as the enhanced systemic exposure compared to the ODS solution. The ODS-loaded NLCs appear potential for prolongation of drug action and reduction in dosing frequency.

Nanostructured lipid carriers engineered for intranasal delivery of teriflunomide in multiple sclerosis: optimization and in vivo studies

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the most severe autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS). Objective: The present research work was aimed to formulate and investigate teriflunomide (TFM)-loaded intranasal (i.n.) nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: The TFM-loaded NLC (TFM-NLC) nanoparticles were prepared by melt emulsification ultrasonication method using biodegradable and biocompatible polymers. The Box–Behnken statistical design was applied to optimize the formulation. The optimized NLC formulation was subjected to evaluate for particle size, entrapment efficiency (%), in vitro and ex vivo permeation. The safety and efficacy of optimized formulations were demonstrated using pharmacodynamic, subacute toxicity and hepatotoxicity data. Results: Experimental data demonstrated that optimized NLC formulation (F17) showed significant size (99.82 ± 1.36 nm), zeta potential (−22.29 ± 1.8 mV) and % entrapment efficiency (83.39 ± 1.24%). Alternatively, ex vivo permeation of TFM mucoadhesive NLC (TFM-MNLC) and TFM-NLC was observed 830 ± 7.6 and 651 ± 9.8 µg/cm2, respectively. Whereas, TFM-MNLC shows around 2.0-folds more Jss than the TFM-NLC. Finally, TFM-MNLC (i.n.) formulation produced the rapid remyelination in cuprizone-treated animals and decreases the number of entries in open compartment of EPM when compared with negative control and TFM-NLC (oral) animals. Simultaneously, the nanoformulation did not reflect any gross changes in hepatic biomarkers and subacute toxicity when compared with control. Conclusions: Hence it can be inferred that the nose-to-brain delivery of TFM-MNLC can be considered as effective and safe delivery for brain disorders.

NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS (NLCS): A PROMINENT TOPICAL DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR COENZYME Q10 AND MYRICA ESCULENTA LEAVES EXTRACT FOR ANTI-AGING POTENTIAL

Objective: In this study, Myrica esculenta (ME) leaves extract along with Coenzyme Q10 was entrapped in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). The formulation variables were successfully optimized using 23 factorial design.Methods: Preparation of NLC was carried out by solvent injection technique. The formulation of NLC was consisting of the methanolic extract of Myrica esculenta leaves and Coenzyme Q10 as key ingredients. Oleic Acid (OA) was taken as liquid lipid, Precirol ATO 5 (PATO) as solid lipid, and Poloxamer 407 (P407). The formulation variables were statically optimized using 23 factorial design, followed by the characterization of the formulation.Results: The results demonstrated that the best optimized NLC formulation F5 of Coenzyme Q10 and plant extract exhibited the smallest size 169.46 nm and highest entrapment efficiency 90.06±0.171 %. Furthermore, it showed good physical stability at 28 d after preparation.Conclusion: The developed NLCs of Q10-ME extract from this study could be explored as the effective anti-ageing formulation.

Preclinical Assessment of Steroidal Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Based Gels for Atopic Dermatitis: Optimization and Product Development.

Betamethasone Valerate (BV) is a potent topical corticosteroid. Preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) involves process parameters optimization and formulations were developed. It is available in several conventional formulations like creams and ointments which have well-known problems of frequent dosing and consequently additional side effects. The aim is to ascertain the probability of NLC as an exclusive carrier for betamethasone valerate topical application with regard to release modulation and improved therapeutic effect. Preparation of BVNLC formulations involves rigorous broad range optimization of process parameters viz. selection of lipids, surfactants, formulation technique, stirring time, stirring speed and homogenization cycles. Accordingly, optimized parameters were selected and formulation table was developed. Characterizations of developed NLC comprise particle shape, size, zeta potential, percent drug entrapment, in vitro drug release studies. The optimized NLC formulation was gelled and evaluated for ex vivo permeation studies and preclinical anti-inflammatory testing. The permeation studies revealed that enhancement ratio of BVNLC based gel was 2.59 folds higher as compared to plain BV gel. Release models indicated anomalous (non-fickian) diffusion viz. drug release is controlled by more than one process i.e. superposition of both phenomenon, the diffusion controlled as well as swelling controlled release. Preclinical studies indicated a significant (P < 0.05) extended anti-inflammatory effect and 16.5% inhibition compared to plain gel. The outcome of entire characterization advocates that the developed formulation is efficient as once a day dosing in therapy of atopic dermatitis.

Development and optimization of sulforaphane-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers by the Box-Behnken design for improved oral efficacy against cancer: in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo assessments

In the present study, sulforaphane (SFN)-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were developed and optimized for improved oral efficacy against cancer. The SFN-loaded NLC formulation was developed by melt emulsification ultrasonication technique and optimized by Box–Behnken statistical design. The optimized SFN-loaded NLC formulation composed of precirol® ATO 5 (solid lipid) and vitamin E (liquid lipid) as lipid phase (3% w/v), poloxamer 188 (1%) and Tween 80 (1%) as surfactant. The mean particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (%) and drug loading (%) of optimized SFN-loaded NLC formulation was observed to be 145.38 ± 4.46 nm, 0.181 ± 0.023, −25.12 ± 2.36 mV, 84.94 ± 3.82% and 14.82 ± 3.46%, respectively. In vitro drug release studies showed that the release of SFN from optimized NLC formulation was significantly higher (86.52 ± 5.48%) compared to SFN suspension (38.47 ± 5.52%) up to 24 h. Ex vivo gut permeation studies revealed a very good enhancement in permeation of drug present in the NLC compared to plain SFN solution and were further confirmed by CLSM. MTT assay in different cancer cell lines showed that the optimized SFN-loaded NLC formulation exhibited significantly improved (p < .05) cytotoxicity compared to free SFN solution. SFN-loaded NLC formulation showed significantly improved antioxidant activity compared to free SFN solution. Furthermore, pharmacokinetic study on albino Wistar rats showed 5.04-fold increase in relative oral bioavailability with NLC (p < .05) compared to SFN suspension. Therefore, NLC represents a great potential for improved efficacy of SFN after oral administration.

QbD-driven development and evaluation of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of Olmesartan medoxomil employing multivariate statistical techniques

Purpose: This research work entails quality by design (QbD)-based systematic development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) of Olmesartan medoxomil (OLM) with improved biopharmaceutical attributes.Methods: Quality target product profile (QTPP) was defined and critical quality attributes (CQAs) were earmarked. Solubility of drug was performed in various lipids for screening of them. NLCs were prepared by hot-microemulsion method using solid lipids, liquid lipids and surfactants with maximal solubility. Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) was carried out for identifying high risk formulation and process parameters. Further, principal component analysis (PCA) was applied on high risk parameters for evaluating the effect of type and concentration of lipids and surfactants on CQAs. Further, systematic optimization of critical material attributes (CMAs) was carried out using face centered cubic design and optimized formulation was identified in the design space.Results: FMEA and PCA suggested suitability of stearic acid, oleic acid and Tween 80 as the CMAs for NLCs. Response surface optimization helped in identifying the optimized NLC formulation with particle size ∼250 nm, zeta potential <25 mV, entrapment efficiency >75%, in vitro drug release >80% within 6 h. Release kinetic modeling indicated drug release through Fickian-diffusion mechanism.Conclusions: Overall, these studies indicated successful development of NLCs using multivariate statistical approaches for improved product and process understanding.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) based controlled release topical gel of clobetasol propionate: design and in vivo characterization.

Nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC)-based gel was developed as a potential topical system for clobetasol propionate (CP) topical delivery for the treatment of eczema. The characterizations of the prepared NLC formulation for topical application on the skin were assessed by means of morphology (SEM), particle size distribution, zeta potential analysis, drug entrapment efficiency, and in vitro drug release studies to select the optimized NLC formulation. The optimized NLC formulation encompasses particle size of 137.9nm with -20.5mV zeta potential and 0.224 polydispersity index which indicates good stability of NLC dispersion. NLC formulation showed a good entrapment efficiency of 78.5% ± 0.03 with cumulative in vitro release 85.42% up to 24h. The optimized NLC formulation was suitably gelled and characterized for rheology, drug content, ex vivo drug permeation studies, and drug release kinetics studies. The permeation study revealed that the permeability parameters like steady-state flux (Jss), permeability coefficient (Kp), and enhancement ratio were significantly higher for NLC-based gel formulation as compared to marketed formulation of clobetasol propionate. The value of r (2) (Korsmeyer-Peppas equation) indicated good linearity showing anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion viz. drug release is controlled by more than one process, i.e., superposition of both phenomenon, the diffusion controlled as well as swelling controlled release. The anti-inflammatory activity of NLC gel via paw oedema technique showed a rapid onset of action, as well as a prolonged duration of action as compared with the marketed gel.

Nanostructured lipid carriers for oral bioavailability enhancement of raloxifene: Design and in vivo study

The objective of present work was to utilize potential of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) for improvement in oral bioavailability of raloxifene hydrochloride (RLX). RLX loaded NLCs were prepared by solvent diffusion method using glyceryl monostearate and Capmul MCM C8 as solid lipid and liquid lipid, respectively. A full 32 factorial design was utilized to study the effect of two independent parameters namely solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio and concentration of stabilizer on the entrapment efficiency of prepared NLCs. The statistical evaluation confirmed pronounced improvement in entrapment efficiency when liquid lipid content in the formulation increased from 5% w/w to 15% w/w. Solid-state characterization studies (DSC and XRD) in optimized formulation NLC-8 revealed transformation of RLX from crystalline to amorphous form. Optimized formulation showed 32.50±5.12nm average particle size and −12.8±3.2mV zeta potential that impart good stability of NLCs dispersion. In vitro release study showed burst release for initial 8h followed by sustained release up to 36h. TEM study confirmed smooth surface discrete spherical nano sized particles. To draw final conclusion, in vivo pharmacokinetic study was carried out that showed 3.75-fold enhancements in bioavailability with optimized NLCs formulation than plain drug suspension. These results showed potential of NLCs for significant improvement in oral bioavailability of poorly soluble RLX.

Chlorogenic acid stabilized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of atorvastatin: formulation, design and in vivo evaluation

The present work was aimed at developing an optimized oral nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) formulation of poorly soluble atorvastatin Ca (AT Ca) and assessing its in vitro release, oral bioavailability and pharmacodynamic activity. In this study, chlorogenic acid, a novel excipient having synergistic cholesterol lowering activity was utilized and explored in NLC formulation development. The drug-loaded NLC formulations were prepared using a high pressure homogenization technique and optimized by the Box-Behnken statistical design using the Design-Expert software. The optimized NLC formulation was composed of oleic acid and stearic acid as lipid phase (0.9% w/v), poloxamer 188 as surfactant (1% w/v) and chlorogenic acid (0.05% w/v). The mean particle size, polydispersity index (PDI) and % drug entrapment efficiency of optimized NLC were 203.56 ± 8.57 nm, 0.27 ± 0.028 and 83.66 ± 5.69, respectively. In vitro release studies showed that the release of drug from optimized NLC formulations were markedly enhanced as compared to solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and drug suspension. The plasma concentration time profile of AT Ca in rats showed 3.08- and 4.89-fold increase in relative bioavailability of developed NLC with respect to marketed preparation (ATORVA® tablet) and drug suspension, respectively. Pharmacodynamic study suggested highly significant (**p < 0.01) reduction in the cholesterol and triglyceride values by NLC in comparison with ATORVA® tablet. Therefore, the results of in vivo studies demonstrated promising prospects for successful oral delivery of AT Ca by means of its chlorogenic acid integrated NLC.