Factorial Design and Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) for Gene Delivery

Several scientific hurdles still have to be overcome before gene therapy becomes a reality. One of them is the development of safe and efficient gene delivery system. Here, we have employed factorial design to optimize the production of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for gene delivery. A 2 x 3 full-factorial experimental design was used for the optimization of SLNs formulations. The variables were defined by the components of the formulation: concentration of stearic acid, DOTAP, and Pluronic F68 at two levels (-1, 1) and 3 central points (0). Different SNL formulations were prepared by varying the amount of components and several properties were tested, including their capacity to accommodate DNA and protection against DNase degradation, colloidal stability, in vitro cytotoxicity, and transfection efficiency in prostate cancer cells. Finally, response Surface Methodology was used to select the most effective formulation for gene delivery to prostate cancer cells in vitro. In conclusion, this study revealed that stearic acid and Pluronic F68 were determinant to SLN size and stability, respectively, while small amounts of DOTAP are essential for a successful transfection.