Synthesis and In Vitro Characterization of Ascorbyl Palmitate-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biochemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Ascorbic acid (AA) and dehydroascorbic acid (DHA) have potential antitumor applications but suffer from instability in aqueous environments.
• Developing stable delivery systems is crucial for enhancing the efficacy of ascorbate-based cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with ascorbyl palmitate (SLN-AP) using varying concentrations of Pluronic F-68.
• To evaluate the cellular uptake, cytotoxicity, and antioxidant effects of SLN-AP formulations.
• To assess the potential of SLN-AP as a targeted delivery system for cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were prepared using the hot homogenization method.
• Characterization included particle size, polydispersity, zeta potential, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• Cellular uptake was tracked using coumarin-6 labeled SLNs, and cytotoxicity was assessed via MTT assay on HEK 293 and U2OS cell lines.

Main Results:

• SLN-AP formulations exhibited significant cytotoxic effects at lower concentrations compared to free AA and DHA.
• The SLN-AP formulation with 3% Pluronic F-68 showed enhanced selectivity for targeting tumor cell lines.
• Antioxidative effects were observed rapidly (within 1 hour) even at low ascorbate doses (5 µM).

Conclusions:

• SLN-AP represents a promising carrier for enhanced ascorbate delivery in antitumor applications.
• The 3% Pluronic F-68 formulation warrants further optimization for improved therapeutic outcomes.
• SLN-AP demonstrates potential for overcoming the instability issues of ascorbate in cancer therapy.