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Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
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Structuring and de-structuring of nanovectors from algal lipids. Part 1: physico-chemical characterization
I Clemente1, F D'Aria2, C Giancola2
1Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, via A. Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy; Center for Colloid and Surface Science (CSGI), via della Lastruccia 3, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, FI, Italy.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|October 28, 2022
Summary
Lipid nanocarriers derived from algal biomasses were compared as drug delivery systems for antioxidants. These nanocarriers show potential for enhanced delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds like curcumin.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Lipid nanocarriers are widely utilized in research and industry for drug delivery due to their versatile properties.
- The efficacy of nanocarriers depends critically on their supramolecular structure and molecular interactions, necessitating thorough characterization.
- Utilizing lipids from natural sources like biomasses offers an attractive and sustainable approach to nanocarrier development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize and compare two types of lipid aggregates (cubosomes and liposomes) as potential drug vectors.
- To evaluate the suitability of these nanocarriers for delivering poorly water-soluble antioxidants, specifically curcumin, tocopherol, and piperine.
- To assess the structural stability of the developed nanocarriers.
Main Methods:
- Lipids were extracted from algal biomasses with varying compositions.
- Advanced structural characterization techniques including Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS), and Cryo-Transmission Electron Microscopy (Cryo-TEM) were employed.
- Spectroscopic (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance - NMR) and calorimetric (Isothermal Titration Calorimetry - ITC) methods were used for detailed analysis.
Main Results:
- Two distinct types of lipid aggregates were successfully prepared from algal biomass lipids.
- Comprehensive physico-chemical characterization provided insights into the structural properties and stability of the nanocarriers.
- The nanocarriers demonstrated potential for encapsulating and delivering poorly water-soluble antioxidants.
Conclusions:
- Lipid nanocarriers derived from algal biomasses are viable candidates for drug delivery applications.
- The characterized nanocarriers offer a promising platform for the delivery of hydrophobic compounds like curcumin.
- Further investigation into optimizing formulation and loading is warranted for therapeutic applications.
