Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 7, 2025

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles SLNs for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
Lipid-core nanocapsules containing simvastatin do not affect the biochemical and hematological indicators of toxicity
Ricardo Lorenzoni1, Samuel Davies2, Leticia Malgarim Cordenonsi2
1Franciscan University, Postgraduate Program in Nanosciences, Rua dos Andradas, 1614 CEP: 97010-032 Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
Abstract:
Our research group previously studied the effectiveness of lipid-core nanocapsules (LNC) containing simvastatin (SV-LNC) in treating cognitive impairment in rats. While our results were promising, we needed to evaluate the potential toxicity of the nanoparticles themselves. This study aimed to compare the biochemical and hematological parameters of adult Wistar rats receiving LNC or SV-LNC to those receiving low doses of simvastatin crystals dispersed in a saline solution over 45 days. We discovered that LNC and SV-LNC, which are both nanometers in size with low polydispersity index, negative zeta potential, and high SV encapsulation efficacy, were not more toxic than SV crystals based on various biochemical markers of hepatic, pancreatic, renal, mineral, bony, alkaline phosphatase, glucose, and uric acid damage. Furthermore, LNC exhibited no toxicity for hematological parameters, including red and white blood cell counts. Based on this animal model of toxicological study, our findings suggest that long-term administration of LNC is a safe and promising nanocarrier.

