Key production parameters for the development of solid lipid nanoparticles by high shear homogenization

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are versatile drug delivery systems.
• Efficient and scalable production methods for SLN are crucial for their clinical translation.
• Physical stability of SLN dispersions often requires optimization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize a simple, fast, and cost-effective method for producing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN).
• To screen various solid lipids and surfactants for optimal SLN characteristics.
• To enhance the physical stability of SLN dispersions.

Main Methods:

• High shear homogenization was employed for SLN production.
• Screening of solid lipids (Compritol 888 ATO, Precirol ATO 5, Cetyl Palmitate, Dynasan 118, Imwitor 900K, Stearic acid) and Poloxamer 188 surfactant.
• Inclusion of a cationic lipid (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide) to improve zeta potential and stability.

Main Results:

• Optimized high shear homogenization yielded monodispersed SLN (PdI < 0.25) in the nanometer range.
• Poloxamer 188 was identified as a suitable surfactant.
• Addition of cetyl trimethylammonium bromide resulted in zeta potential values > +60 mV, enhancing physical stability.

Conclusions:

• A simple, fast, and cost-effective high shear homogenization process enables the production of stable, nanometer-sized solid lipid nanoparticles.
• The optimized formulation and process parameters are suitable for scalable SLN manufacturing.
• Achieving high positive zeta potential significantly improves the physical stability of SLN dispersions.