Optimization of nanostructured lipid carriers for Zidovudine delivery using a microwave-assisted production method

Publication date: 15 September 2018
Source:European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Volume 122
Author(s): S.M.T. Cavalcanti, C. Nunes, S.A. Costa Lima, J.L. Soares-Sobrinho, S. Reis
An adapted methodology for obtaining lipid nanoparticles that only uses the microwave reactor in the synthesis process was developed. The method has the following features: one-pot, one-step, fast, practical, economical, safe, readiness of scaling-up, lack of organic solvents and production of nanoparticles with low polydispersity index (PDI) (below 0.3).This new method was applied for the development of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) loaded with a hydrophilic drug, the antiretroviral agent zidovudine (AZT). The aim of the present work was to develop, evaluate and compare optimized NLC formulations produced by two different methods – hot ultrasonication and microwave-assisted method. The development and optimization of the NLC formulations were supported by a Quality by Design (QbD) approach.All formulations were physicochemically characterized by the same parameters. The optimized formulations presented a suitable profile for oral administration (particle size between 100 and 300 nm, PDI < 0.3 and negative zeta potential >−20 mV). Furthermore, the morphologies assessed by TEM showed spherical shape and confirmed the results obtained by DLS. Both AZT loaded formulations were physically stable for at least 45 days and non-toxic on Jurkat T cells. Drug release studies showed a controlled release of AZT under gastric and plasma-simulated conditions.

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