Solid lipid nanoparticles self-assembled from electrosprayed polymer-based microparticles

Abstract

A new strategy for manipulating molecular self-assembly to produce solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in situ is reported. Microparticulate composites (consisting of the polymer PVP, naproxen and tristearin as a lipophilic carrier) were prepared using an elevated temperature electrospraying process. Tristearin/naproxen SLNs formed spontaneously when the composite microparticles were placed into water, as a result of the PVP polymer matrix dissolving. The self-assembled SLNs had average diameter of 376 ± 20 nm, a drug entrapment efficiency of 86.2% and provided sustained drug release over 24 h, with 87.6% of the total NAP freed into the dissolution medium in this time. These findings open a new route for developing novel biomaterials and nanoparticulate drug delivery systems, and for resolving problems associated with the formulation of poorly water-soluble drugs.