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Phytol-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as a Novel Anticandidal Nanobiotechnological Approach
Tábata L C Lima1, Luanda B F C Souza2, Lannya C S Tavares-Pessoa1
1Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology and Biotechnology, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Gal. Gustavo Cordeiro de Farias, S/N, Petrópolis, Natal-RN 59072-570, Brazil.
Pharmaceutics
|September 16, 2020
Summary
This study developed novel solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) to deliver phytol, a plant-derived compound, for treating fungal infections. These phytol-loaded SLN enhanced anticandidal efficacy, showing promise as a drug delivery system.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Mycology
Background:
- Phytol, a chlorophyll metabolite, shows potential as an antimicrobial agent but suffers from poor water solubility.
- Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for enhancing the therapeutic applications of poorly soluble compounds like phytol.
- Antifungal drug resistance necessitates innovative strategies for treating infections caused by *Candida* species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize novel solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for encapsulating phytol.
- To evaluate the anticandidal efficacy and biocompatibility of phytol-loaded SLN formulations.
- To investigate the potential of phytol-loaded SLN as a drug delivery system for antifungal applications.
Main Methods:
- Phytol-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) were formulated using 1,3-distearyl-2-oleyl-glycerol (TG1) at various phytol/TG1 ratios (1:10, 1:5, 1:3 w/w).
- Formulations were prepared via emulsification solvent evaporation, followed by assessment of physicochemical properties (size, polydispersity index, loading efficiency).
- Biocompatibility was tested on HEK-293 cells, and antifungal efficacy was evaluated against *Candida* spp. strains, including clinical isolates, determining minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs).
Main Results:
- Uniform, spherical SLN with particle sizes <300 nm and a polydispersity index <0.2 were successfully prepared, achieving phytol loading efficiency >65%.
- Phytol-loaded SLN exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HEK-293 cells.
- All tested SLN formulations significantly enhanced the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of phytol against 15 *Candida* spp. strains, with higher phytol/TG1 ratios showing maximum efficacy against clinical isolates.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrated the in vitro feasibility of phytol-loaded SLN as a promising nanocarrier for phytol delivery.
- These novel SLN formulations offer an effective approach to overcome phytol's poor water solubility and enhance its anticandidal activity.
- Phytol-loaded SLN represent a viable strategy for developing new therapeutic options against *Candida* infections.
