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Solid Lipid Nanoparticles SLNs for Intracellular Targeting Applications
Published on: November 17, 2015
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Formulation of apigenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles: characterisation, molecular docking, and anticancer assay
Sadaf Jamal Gilani1, Najla Altwaijry1, Ahlam Mansour Sultan1
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
This study developed apigenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (APN-SLNs) for enhanced topical skin cancer treatment. APN-SLNs hydrogels show superior efficacy and permeation compared to plain apigenin, offering a promising approach for skin cancer management.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Apigenin (APN), a natural flavonoid, exhibits significant therapeutic potential for skin cancer.
- Clinical application of APN is limited by its poor physicochemical properties.
- Topical delivery using nanocarriers offers advantages for skin cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate and characterize apigenin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (APN-SLNs) for improved topical delivery.
- To incorporate APN-SLNs into hydrogels for enhanced skin application and efficacy.
- To evaluate the physicochemical properties, stability, and anti-cancer potential of the developed formulation.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of APN-SLNs (size, PDI, surface charge, encapsulation efficiency).
- Physicochemical evaluation using FT-IR, DSC, and XRD.
- Formulation of APN-SLNs into hydrogels and assessment of rheological properties.
- In vitro permeation studies and cytotoxicity assays (MTT) on B16-F10 melanoma cells.
- Molecular docking studies to support experimental findings.
Main Results:
- APN-SLNs exhibited optimal characteristics: 174.3 nm size, 0.18 PDI, -29.5 mV charge, and 85.7% encapsulation efficiency.
- The nanoparticles demonstrated excellent colloidal stability and a biphasic release pattern.
- APN-SLN hydrogels showed enhanced viscosity, firmness, and consistency compared to plain APN hydrogels.
- In vitro permeation of APN-SLN hydrogels was over two-fold higher than plain APN hydrogels.
- APN-SLNs demonstrated superior cytotoxic effects against B16-F10 cells, supported by docking analysis.
Conclusions:
- Topical delivery of apigenin via solid lipid nanoparticles (APN-SLNs) is a viable strategy for skin cancer management.
- The developed APN-SLN-loaded hydrogels offer improved physicochemical properties and enhanced therapeutic potential.
- This nanocarrier system represents a promising advancement in the topical treatment of skin cancer.
