Stearic acid nanoparticles increase acyclovir absorption by oral epithelial cells.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutics
• Oral Medicine

Background:

• Acyclovir (ACY) is a key antiviral for oral herpes but suffers from poor solubility and bioavailability.
• Stearic acid (SA), a lipophilic substance, offers potential for drug formulation.
• Enhancing ACY cellular uptake in oral epithelial cells is crucial for effective treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize stearic acid (SA) nanoparticles for improved acyclovir (ACY) delivery.
• To evaluate the stability and pharmacokinetic profile of SA-based nanoparticles.
• To assess the impact of SA nanoparticles on ACY cellular uptake by oral epithelial cells.

Main Methods:

• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) of SA containing ACY were produced and optimized.
• Particle stability was assessed under various storage conditions (4°C and 37°C).
• Pharmacokinetics, cytotoxicity, in vitro permeability, and gene expression modulation were investigated.

Main Results:

• SA nanoparticles demonstrated sustained ACY release with an initial burst.
• High drug release (>90%) was observed within 120 minutes even after 45 days of storage.
• Cells treated with SA nanoparticles showed significantly higher intracellular ACY content and increased expression of TJP-1, OCLN, and ECAD.

Conclusions:

• SA nanoparticles effectively sustain acyclovir delivery and enhance its absorption into oral epithelial cells.
• The developed SA nanoparticles hold promise for improving ACY efficacy in treating oral herpes (HSV-1).
• This formulation strategy represents a significant advancement in antiviral drug delivery for oral infections.