Oral delivery of drugs by means of solid lipid nanoparticles

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2007

Authors

Silva, AC (Author) Other; Santos, D (Author) Other; Ferreira, DC (Author) FFUP; Souto, EB (Author) Other

Journal

Title: Minerva Biotecnologica

Vol. 19

Pages: 1-5

ISSN: 1120-4826

Publisher: EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 4 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Natural sciences > Biological sciences

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-004-BKS

Abstract (EN): Aim. Oral drug delivery can be improved through nanoencapsulation of drugs into lipid carriers. This approach takes advantages of the fact that lipids have absorption promoting properties both for lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. Thus, if problematic drugs, e.g. poorly soluble molecules such as ibuprofen, are incorporated into lipid carriers, bioavailability of such drug molecules might be improved. In the present paper lipid based carrier systems (i.e. solid lipid nanoparticles, SLN) composed of well tolerated lipids have been produced and physicochemically characterized. Methods. The suitability of SLN to deliver ibuprofen for oral route has been assessed by means of particle size analysis. Cetyl palmitate-based SLN stabilized with a nonionic surfactant have been produced by high pressure homogenization. Results. The mean particle size of drug-free and drug-loaded SLN was 230 and 312 nm, respectively. Nonetheless, microparticles have been measured by laser diffractometry in the ibuprofen-loaded SLN formulations. Aqueous drug-free SLN dispersions have been transformed into powders by lyophilization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed spherical-like shape SLN which was maintained after freeze-drying, however with some particle aggregation. Recrystallinity index of SLN was approx. Sixty percent before and after lyophilizing the samples, and the obtained powders showed good flow properties applying the tap density test with a Carr's index of 13. Conclusion This paper reviews several analytical methodologies to characterize the dispersions in order to pre-dict their long-term stability and suitability for oral delivery of model drugs.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 5