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Updated: May 19, 2026

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Development of terbinafine solid lipid nanoparticles as a topical delivery system
Ying-Chen Chen1, Der-Zen Liu, Jun-Jen Liu
1School of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
New solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer improved terbinafine (TB) delivery, potentially reducing treatment times. This antifungal innovation could simplify topical treatments for skin conditions.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dermatological Drug Delivery Systems
- Antifungal Agent Formulation
Background:
- Conventional terbinafine (TB) treatments suffer from long durations and frequent application.
- Developing novel drug delivery systems is crucial to enhance antifungal efficacy and patient compliance.
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising for encapsulating lipophilic drugs like TB.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for improved terbinafine (TB) delivery.
- To evaluate the skin penetration efficacy of TB-loaded SLNs compared to a commercial product.
- To address limitations of current terbinafine treatments regarding administration frequency and duration.
Main Methods:
- SLNs were formulated using a microemulsion technique with various lipid phases (GMS, Compritol® 888, Precirol® ATO 5), surfactants, and propylene glycol.
- Ternary phase diagrams were constructed to optimize SLN formulation.
- In vitro skin penetration studies using nude mouse skin were conducted to quantify TB levels in stratum corneum, epidermis, and dermis; particle size analysis confirmed stability.
Main Results:
- Optimal SLN formulations contained <5% lipid phase and >50% water phase.
- Increasing the lipid phase percentage enhanced TB skin penetration.
- The ACP1-GM1 formulation (4% lipid phase, Compritol® 888:GMS 1:1) showed comparable stratum corneum penetration to Lamisil® Once™ and higher dermal penetration at 12 hours.
Conclusions:
- The developed SLN formulation (ACP1-GM1) demonstrates potential for enhanced terbinafine (TB) delivery.
- A 12-hour application of ACP1-GM1 may offer efficacy comparable to 24-hour application of Lamisil® Once™.
- This SLN approach could significantly reduce terbinafine treatment duration and improve patient compliance.
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