title: [Freeze-drying of silymarin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SM-SLN)].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To investigate lyophilization of SM-SLN.
  
  
  METHODS
  The parameters of lyophilization process was optimized. In addition, the protective effect of various types and concentrations of cryoprotectants were tested by shape, colour and disparity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mixture of 2% lactose and 2% glucose could better prevent nanoparticles from aggregating, the optimal lyophilization process was followed: precooled at -45 degrees C for 10 hr; primary drying at -25 degrees C for 5 hr; secondary drying at 10 degrees C for 3 hr; finally drying at 30 degrees C for 6 hr.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes in particle size distribution during lyophilization could be minimized by optimizing the parameters of the lyophilization process and adding supporting agent.
authors.affiliation: West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Jian-fang
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Le-le
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Wei-gen
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Shi-xiang
authors.initials: SX
authors.lastname: Hou
mesh_terms: D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005612:Freeze Drying / Q000379:methods; D005947:Glucose / Q000737:chemistry; D007785:Lactose / Q000737:chemistry; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D020944:Silybum marianum / Q000737:chemistry; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010316:Particle Size; D010946:Plants, Medicinal / Q000737:chemistry; D012838:Silymarin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry / Q000302:isolation & purification; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D008055:Lipids; D012838:Silymarin; D005947:Glucose; D007785:Lactose