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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

A Package of Established Analytical Tools to Investigate the Solid-State Alteration of Lipid-Based Excipients
Published on: August 9, 2022
Stability and antimicrobial effect of amikacin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles
Solmaz Ghaffari1, Jaleh Varshosaz, Afrooz Saadat
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy and Isfahan Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising pulmonary delivery system for amikacin, potentially reducing dosage and toxicity. These amikacin SLNs demonstrated enhanced efficacy against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in vitro, suggesting improved safety and treatment outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Antimicrobial Research
Background:
- Pulmonary infections often require prolonged amikacin treatment, increasing toxicity risks.
- Developing advanced drug delivery systems can mitigate amikacin's adverse effects.
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a viable platform for targeted drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize amikacin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for pulmonary administration.
- To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial efficacy of amikacin SLNs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
- To assess the stability and release profile of lyophilized amikacin SLNs.
Main Methods:
- Amikacin SLNs were prepared using cholesterol via solvent diffusion and homogenization.
- Particle size, zeta potential, loading efficiency, and drug release were analyzed.
- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bacteriostatic concentration (MBC) were determined using broth macrodilution.
- Lyophilization with cryoprotectants was employed for enhanced SLN stability.
Main Results:
- Amikacin SLNs exhibited improved in vitro efficacy, with MIC and MBC values approximately two-fold lower than free amikacin.
- Lyophilization enhanced particle stability, with limited size increase and increased zeta potential (+17 mV).
- Higher storage temperatures accelerated amikacin release from SLNs.
Conclusions:
- Amikacin SLNs represent a potentially safer and more effective pulmonary drug delivery system.
- Reduced dosing frequency and lower toxicity are achievable with amikacin SLNs.
- Lyophilization improves the stability of amikacin SLNs for storage and potential clinical use.
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