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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Cytotoxicity of submicron emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles for dermal application
Wim Weyenberg1, Plamen Filev, Dave Van den Plas
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium.
International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|February 16, 2007
Summary
Investigating submicron oil-in-water emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles for skin applications revealed that certain ingredients, like stearylamine, reduced cell viability. Formulations using semi-synthetic glycerides or hard fat maintained high cell survival.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Submicron emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles are promising for dermal delivery.
- Understanding their physical properties and cytotoxicity is crucial for safe and effective topical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the physical characteristics and cytotoxicity of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for dermal use.
- To evaluate the impact of formulation components on nanoparticle properties and cellular viability.
Main Methods:
- Formulation of O/W emulsions and SLNs with varying components.
- Characterization of droplet size and zeta potential.
- In vitro cytotoxicity testing using J774 macrophages, mouse 3T3 fibroblasts, and HaCaT keratinocytes.
Main Results:
- Emulsion droplet size and zeta potential were influenced by cosurfactant blend composition.
- Stearylamine significantly reduced the viability of all tested cell lines.
- Nanoparticles formulated with stearic acid or adeps solidus showed varying cytotoxicity.
- Formulations using semi-synthetic glycerides or hard fat resulted in over 90% cell viability.
Conclusions:
- Formulation composition critically affects the physical properties and dermal safety of submicron emulsions and SLNs.
- Stearylamine exhibits significant cytotoxicity, posing a risk for dermal applications.
- Semi-synthetic glycerides and hard fat are safer excipients for formulating nanoparticles with high cell viability for skin applications.

