Intestinal Permeability of Artesunate-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Using the Everted Gut Method

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Nanotechnology
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Artesunate is a potent antimalarial drug with limited oral bioavailability due to poor solubility.
• Nanoformulation strategies are being explored to improve artesunate's dissolution and absorption.
• Intestinal permeability of artesunate nanoformulations remains uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the intestinal permeability of artesunate-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN).

Main Methods:

• Artesunate-loaded SLN were prepared using the microemulsion dilution technique.
• In vitro drug release studies were conducted at pH 1.2 and 6.8.
• Intestinal permeability was assessed using the everted gut sac method.

Main Results:

• SLN exhibited a sustained drug release profile, contrasting with rapid release of pure artesunate.
• The apparent permeability (P_app) of SLN (0.169 mg/cm²) was significantly higher than pure artesunate (0.117 mg/cm²).
• Particle size was 1109 nm, PDI was 0.082, and encapsulation efficiency was 51.7%.

Conclusions:

• The microemulsion dilution technique is suitable for formulating artesunate SLN.
• Artesunate-loaded SLN demonstrate sustained release and enhanced intestinal permeability.
• Nanoformulation holds potential for improving artesunate's therapeutic efficacy.