Chitosan-coupled solid lipid nanoparticles: Tuning nanostructure and mucoadhesion.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) are promising for drug delivery, especially in ophthalmic applications.
• Chitosan association aims to improve SLN precorneal residence time via mucoadhesion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize novel chitosan-associated SLNs (CS-SLNs) using a one-step preparation method.
• To evaluate the interaction strength between chitosan and SLNs compared to traditional coating methods.

Main Methods:

• A one-step protocol for CS-SLN preparation.
• Characterization using light, neutron, and X-ray scattering, Zeta-potential, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), and calorimetry.
• Comparison with chitosan-free and chitosan-coated SLNs.

Main Results:

• The one-step method yielded CS-SLNs with strong, intimate chitosan-SLN interactions, superior to simple coating.
• Nanoparticles maintained nano-size and surface charge suitable for drug vectors.
• CS-SLNs demonstrated improved mucoadhesion properties.

Conclusions:

• The one-step preparation offers an efficient route to CS-SLNs with enhanced mucoadhesion.
• These CS-SLNs show potential for high-performing ophthalmic drug delivery formulations.
• Stronger chitosan-SLN coupling is key to improved precorneal residence time.