Entrapment and release of saquinavir using novel cationic solid lipid nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems
• Materials Science

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a global health challenge requiring effective drug delivery.
• Saquinavir (SQV) is a crucial antiretroviral medication.
• Developing advanced delivery systems can improve SQV bioavailability and patient compliance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate cationic solid lipid nanoparticles (CSLNs) for saquinavir (SQV) encapsulation.
• To analyze the properties of CSLNs, including entrapment efficiency and drug release kinetics.
• To evaluate the potential of CSLNs as a sustained delivery system for SQV.

Main Methods:

• Microemulsion method used for CSLN fabrication.
• CSLNs stabilized with polysorbate 80.
• Lipid phase comprised cationic stearylamine (SA), dioctadecyldimethyl ammonium bromide (DODAB), and nonionic Compritol 888 ATO (CA) and cacao butter (CB).

Main Results:

• Mixtures of SA/DODAB and CA/CB enhanced SQV entrapment efficiency.
• Entrapment efficiency was not significantly affected by cationic lipid content above 1%.
• CSLNs with CA/CB cores showed slower SQV release than pure CB, indicating sustained delivery without initial burst.

Conclusions:

• CSLNs are effective carriers for saquinavir (SQV).
• The developed CSLNs demonstrate potential as sustained delivery systems.
• This formulation offers a promising approach for improved HIV medication.