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Updated: May 25, 2026
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Formulation and Characterization of Bioactive Agent Containing Nanodisks
Published on: March 17, 2023
Formulation and Development of Spray-Dried Atorvastatin Nanoparticles for Potential Antifungal Applications
Fai Alkathiri1, Njoud Altuwaijr1, Rihaf Alfaraj1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Summary
Spray-dried atorvastatin (ATR) nanoparticles using Gelucire improved solubility and antifungal activity. These novel nanoparticles show potential for treating fungal infections.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Mycology
Background:
- Atorvastatin (ATR), an antihyperlipidemic drug, exhibits anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.
- Poor solubility and low bioavailability limit ATR's clinical use.
- Repurposing ATR for antifungal therapy requires formulation strategies to enhance delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize atorvastatin-loaded nanoparticles (ATR-GR) using Gelucire 44/14 and Gelucire 50/13 via spray-drying.
- To evaluate the impact of Gelucire ratio on nanoparticle properties and antifungal efficacy.
- To assess the potential of ATR-GR nanoparticles as a repurposed antifungal agent.
Main Methods:
- ATR-loaded nanoparticles were prepared using Gelucire 44/14 and Gelucire 50/13 at 1:1 and 1:3 ratios via spray-drying.
- Formulations were analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, solubility, morphology, and dissolution.
- Antifungal activity was tested against four clinically relevant fungal strains.
Main Results:
- Increasing Gelucire ratio to 1:3 significantly reduced particle size and improved encapsulation efficiency (>83%).
- ATR-GR nanoparticles demonstrated enhanced dissolution rates, with nearly complete release within 5 hours.
- The optimized formulation (ATR-GR 44/14, 1:3) showed superior antifungal activity compared to pure ATR.
Conclusions:
- Spray-dried ATR-GR nanoparticles effectively overcome ATR's solubility limitations.
- These nanoparticles enhance antifungal efficacy, supporting ATR repurposing for fungal infections.
- Further preclinical and clinical studies are warranted, including investigation for inhaled antifungal delivery.
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