Quercetin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Dispersion with Improved Physicochemical Properties and Cellular Uptake.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Quercetin, a potent antioxidant, suffers from poor bioavailability.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising delivery system for poorly soluble compounds.
• Chitosan coating can enhance nanoparticle properties and modulate drug release.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs).
• To investigate the effect of chitosan coating on SLN properties, stability, and quercetin release.
• To evaluate the cellular uptake of quercetin from SLNs in Caco-2 cells.

Main Methods:

• SLNs were prepared using ultrasonication with tripalmitin and lecithin.
• Surface coating was achieved using varying concentrations of chitosan.
• Particle size, zeta potential, stability, drug release, and cellular uptake were analyzed.

Main Results:

• High entrapment efficiency (>99%) and particle size of ~110 nm were achieved.
• Chitosan coating increased particle size and zeta potential, enhancing stability at 40°C.
• SLNs showed faster quercetin release than pure quercetin, with pH-dependent modulation by chitosan.

Conclusions:

• Chitosan-coated SLNs improve quercetin stability and release kinetics.
• While enhancing delivery, chitosan coating may reduce quercetin's cellular uptake.
• SLNs represent a viable strategy for improving quercetin's therapeutic potential.