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Using Caco-2 Cells to Study Lipid Transport by the Intestine
Published on: August 20, 2015
Phosphatidylcholine embedded microemulsions: physical properties and improved Caco-2 cell permeability
Aviram Spernath1, Abraham Aserin, Lior Ziserman
1Casali Institute of Applied Chemistry, The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
Summary
This study shows that adding phosphatidylcholine (PC) to a microemulsion enhances diclofenac drug delivery. PC improves diclofenac permeability through Caco-2 cells, indicating better drug absorption.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Biophysics
Background:
- Microemulsions are crucial for drug delivery systems.
- Diclofenac sodium salt is a model drug used to evaluate drug solubilization and permeability.
- Phosphatidylcholine (PC) can modify the properties of microemulsion interfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of phosphatidylcholine (PC) on a U-type microemulsion system containing diclofenac.
- To analyze microstructure transformations, physical properties, and droplet characteristics.
- To correlate system properties with diclofenac permeability through Caco-2 cell monolayers.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of U-type microemulsions with diclofenac and PC.
- Measurement of viscosity and electrical conductivity.
- Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy (cryo-TEM) for droplet morphology.
- In vitro permeability studies using Caco-2 cell monolayers.
Main Results:
- High diclofenac solubilization (20 wt.%) achieved in surfactant-rich systems.
- Diclofenac reduced oil-in-water (O/W) droplet size by 50% and increased PC incorporation.
- Microemulsion viscosity and conductivity profiles were altered by diclofenac.
- Spherical O/W droplets observed above 70 wt.% water.
- Enhanced diclofenac permeability through Caco-2 cells when PC was present.
Conclusions:
- The U-type microemulsion system effectively solubilizes diclofenac.
- Phosphatidylcholine (PC) and diclofenac influence microemulsion droplet size and physical properties.
- Diclofenac permeability is enhanced by PC incorporation into the microemulsion interface, suggesting improved drug delivery potential.
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