Optimization of atorvastatin and quercetin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles using Box-Behnken design

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmacology
• Oncology

Background:

• Breast cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide.
• Developing effective drug delivery systems is crucial for improving therapeutic outcomes.
• Repurposing existing drugs can offer new therapeutic strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the synergistic potential of atorvastatin and quercetin loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for breast cancer treatment.
• To develop and characterize novel SLNs as a drug delivery system.
• To evaluate the in vitro anticancer activity of the developed SLNs.

Main Methods:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were synthesized using high-shear homogenization.
• Optimization of SLNs was performed using Box-Behnken design.
• Characterization included particle size, PDI, entrapment efficiency, release studies, and surface morphology.
• In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed on MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines.

Main Results:

• Optimized SLNs showed a particle size of 72.5 ± 6.5 nm with narrow size distribution (PDI = 0.338 ± 0.034).
• High entrapment efficiency (<90%) and sustained drug release were observed.
• In vitro studies demonstrated a significant reduction in IC50 values against MDA-MB-231 cells, indicating enhanced cytotoxicity.

Conclusions:

• A novel drug delivery system using SLNs loaded with atorvastatin and quercetin was successfully developed.
• The developed SLNs exhibit promising synergistic potential and enhanced in vitro anticancer activity.
• This strategy represents a novel approach for repurposing drugs and combating breast cancer effectively.