Physicochemical characterization techniques for solid lipid nanoparticles: principles and limitations.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are gaining importance due to numerous advantages they offer as a drug delivery system. SLN incorporate poorly soluble drugs, proteins, biologicals, etc. SLN are prepared by techniques like high-pressure homogenization, sonication and employs a wide range of lipids and surfactants. Physicochemical characterization techniques include particle size analysis, zeta potential and determination of crystallinity/polymorphism. Furthermore, drug loading and drug entrapment efficiency are common parameters used to test the efficiency of SLN. Most importantly, the functionality assay of SLN is essential to predict the activity and performance in vivo. The review presented discusses the importance of SLN in drug delivery with emphasis on principles and limitations associated with their physicochemical characterization.
Pharmacy Sciences, Creighton University , Omaha, NE , USA.
Niranjan
N
Kathe
Brian
B
Henriksen
Harsh
H
Chauhan
D000818:Animals; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size
D008055:Lipids
Lipid polymorphism; SLN; particle size; physico chemical characterization; poorly soluble drugs; protein delivery; zeta potential