Synthesis and optimization of ceftriaxone-loaded solid lipid nanocarriers

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Nanocarriers offer tunable surface properties for enhanced drug delivery efficacy.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a promising platform for drug encapsulation and controlled release.
• Ceftriaxone is a broad-spectrum antibiotic frequently used to treat bacterial infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize ceftriaxone-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CL-SLNPs).
• To evaluate the drug release profile and antibacterial activity of the CL-SLNPs.
• To optimize the CL-SLNP formulation for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of CL-SLNPs using a water-in-oil-in-water (w/o/w) double emulsification method.
• Optimization of formulation via response surface methodology (RSM).
• Characterization using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS), UV-vis, and FTIR spectroscopy.

Main Results:

• Spherical CL-SLNPs with sizes ranging from 15-20nm were successfully prepared.
• The nanoformulation exhibited sustained drug release over 24h, contrasting with the burst release of ceftriaxone sodium.
• Effective antibacterial activity was observed against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31μg/mL against Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions:

• CL-SLNPs are a viable nanoformulation for ceftriaxone delivery, offering sustained release properties.
• The developed CL-SLNPs demonstrate significant antibacterial efficacy, potentially improving treatment of bacterial infections.
• This study highlights the potential of SLNs as advanced drug delivery systems for antibiotics.