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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles SLNs for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
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Naringenin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Physical-Chemical Characterization and In Vitro Antibacterial Activity
Federica De Gaetano1, Francesco Caridi2, Noemi Totaro1
1Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno D'Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy.
Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2025
Summary
This study developed naringenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to enhance antibacterial efficacy against resistant bacteria. The novel NRG-SLNs show improved activity and biofilm inhibition compared to free naringenin.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Materials Science
- Microbiology
Background:
- Antibiotic resistance necessitates novel therapeutic strategies.
- Natural compounds like flavonoids show antibacterial potential but suffer from poor bioavailability.
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) offer a promising delivery system for improving drug properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize naringenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NRG-SLNs) for enhanced antibacterial applications.
- To evaluate the biopharmaceutical properties and in vitro efficacy of NRG-SLNs against bacterial pathogens.
Main Methods:
- Naringenin-loaded SLNs (NRG-SLNs) were prepared using solvent emulsification/diffusion and ultrasonication with Compritol® 888 ATO.
- Formulations were characterized for size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and drug content.
- Drug-lipid interactions were analyzed using µ-Raman spectroscopy, DSC, TGA, and XRD.
- In vitro antibacterial and antibiofilm activities were assessed against Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) and Escherichia coli.
Main Results:
- The optimal NRG-SLNs formulation exhibited homogeneous size (~50 nm), negative zeta potential (-30 mV), high encapsulation efficiency (~98%), and good physical stability.
- NRG-SLNs demonstrated sustained drug release over 10 days.
- NRG-SLNs showed significant bacteriostatic activity against S. aureus (MRSA) and E. coli, outperforming free naringenin.
- Enhanced antibacterial and antibiofilm activity was observed, likely due to SLN-bacteria surface interactions.
Conclusions:
- Naringenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles represent an effective strategy to overcome the limitations of free naringenin.
- NRG-SLNs demonstrate improved antibacterial and antibiofilm properties, offering a potential new therapeutic option against resistant bacterial infections.
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