Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Morin: Preparation, Characterization, and Ex Vivo Permeation Studies
Federica De Gaetano,
Consuelo Celesti,
Giuseppe Paladini,
Valentina Venuti,
Maria Chiara Cristiano,
Donatella Paolino,
Daniela Iannazzo,
Vincenza Strano,
Anna M. Gueli,
Silvana Tommasini,
Cinzia Anna Ventura,
Rosanna Stancanelli
Affiliations
Federica De Gaetano
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Consuelo Celesti
Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
Giuseppe Paladini
Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Valentina Venuti
Department of Mathematical and Computer Sciences, Physical Sciences and Earth Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno D’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Maria Chiara Cristiano
Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, V.le Europa s.n.c., 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Donatella Paolino
Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Catanzaro “Magna Graecia”, V.le Europa s.n.c., 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
Daniela Iannazzo
Department of Engineering, University of Messina, Contrada Di Dio, 98166 Messina, Italy
Vincenza Strano
National Council of Research, Institute of Microelectronics and Microsystems (CNR-IMM), University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Anna M. Gueli
Department of Physics and Astronomy “Ettore Majorana”, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 64, 95123 Catania, Italy
Silvana Tommasini
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Cinzia Anna Ventura
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
Rosanna Stancanelli
Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, V.le Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres 31, 98166 Messina, Italy
In recent years, bioactive compounds have been the focus of much interest in scientific research, due to their low toxicity and extraordinary properties. However, they possess poor solubility, low chemical stability, and unsustainable bioavailability. New drug delivery systems, and among them solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), could minimize these drawbacks. In this work, morin (MRN)-loaded SLNs (MRN-SLNs) were prepared using a solvent emulsification/diffusion method, using two different lipids, Compritol® 888 ATO (COM) or Phospholipon® 80H (PHO). SLNs were investigated for their physical–chemical, morphological, and technological (encapsulation parameters and in vitro release) properties. We obtained spherical and non-aggregated nanoparticles with hydrodynamic radii ranging from 60 to 70 nm and negative zeta potentials (about −30 mV and −22 mV for MRN-SLNs-COM and MRN-SLNs-PHO, respectively). The interaction of MRN with the lipids was demonstrated via μ-Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and DSC analysis. High encapsulation efficiency was obtained for all formulations (about 99%, w/w), particularly for the SLNs prepared starting from a 10% (w/w) theoretical MRN amount. In vitro release studies showed that about 60% of MRN was released within 24 h and there was a subsequent sustained release within 10 days. Finally, ex vivo permeation studies with excised bovine nasal mucosa demonstrated the ability of SLNs to act as a penetration enhancer for MRN due to the intimate contact and interaction of the carrier with the mucosa.