Spontaneous Emulsification as a Low-Energy Strategy for Designing and Optimizing Resveratrol-Loaded Nanostructured...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Technology
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are advanced delivery systems for lipophilic drugs, offering high encapsulation and controlled release.
• Conventional methods for NLC production often involve high energy input and organic solvents, posing limitations for large-scale and sustainable manufacturing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and optimize nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using a low-energy, solvent-free spontaneous emulsification method.
• To evaluate the encapsulation efficiency, particle characteristics, colloidal stability, and in vitro release profile of resveratrol (RVL)-loaded NLCs.
• To demonstrate the viability of spontaneous emulsification as a sustainable alternative for NLC production.

Main Methods:

• NLCs were formulated using cetearyl alcohol (solid lipid) and Kolliphor RH 40 (surfactant) via spontaneous emulsification.
• A Box-Behnken design was employed for optimizing formulation and process parameters, with particle size and uniformity assessed by laser diffraction.
• Resveratrol was encapsulated, and the resulting NLCs were characterized using techniques including DSC/Thermogravimetry, FTIR, and TEM. Stability was assessed over 90 days.

Main Results:

• Optimized NLCs achieved 99% resveratrol encapsulation efficiency, with a mean particle size of 90 nm, a polydispersity index of 0.2, and a zeta potential of -37 mV.
• The NLCs exhibited excellent colloidal stability for 90 days at 8 °C, confirmed by characterization techniques.
• Differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry and FTIR confirmed successful active compound incorporation and nanocarrier composition. Transmission electron microscopy visualized the nanocarrier morphology.
• In vitro studies demonstrated a delayed and sustained release profile for resveratrol from the NLCs.

Conclusions:

• Spontaneous emulsification is a viable, low-energy, and solvent-free method for producing stable and efficient nanostructured lipid carriers.
• The developed NLCs show significant potential as a platform for delivering bioactive compounds, including pharmaceuticals and cosmetic ingredients.
• This approach offers a sustainable and scalable alternative to conventional high-energy methods for NLC fabrication.