DEVELOPMENT OF ANTI-RETROVIRAL DRUG LOADED SOLID -LIPID NANOPARTICLES
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22159/ijap.2026v18i3.56189Keywords:
Solid lipid nanoparticles, Antiretroviral drug delivery, Nanocarriers controlled release, Drug encapsulation, In vitro drug release, High shear homogenization, HIV therapy, Drug targetingAbstract
Objective: This project aims to develop and evaluate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of an antiviral drug to improve bioavailability, reduce dosing frequency, and enhance patient compliance. SLNs offer a nanocarrier system that addresses the poor solubility, low oral bioavailability, and systemic side effects associated with conventional antiretroviral therapy.
Methods: SLNs of dolutegravir were prepared using high shear homogenization followed by ultrasonication. Biocompatible lipids such as glyceryl monostearate were used as the lipid matrix, and Poloxamer 188 served as the stabilizer. To optimize the formulation, lipid content, surfactant type, concentration, and sonication parameters were systematically varied. The prepared formulations were evaluated for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, and in-vitro drug release profile to determine the optimum conditions for SLN development.
Results: The optimized solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN) formulation exhibited a particle size in the range of 257–412 nm with a negative zeta potential (ZP), indicating good physical stability and low aggregation tendency. A high drug entrapment efficiency (%EE) (>85%) confirmed effective incorporation of the drug within the lipid matrix. In vitro release studies demonstrated a biphasic release pattern, characterized by an initial burst release followed by sustained drug release over 24 hours. Differential Scanning Colorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Trasform Infrared Spectrocopy (FTIR) analyses revealed no significant drug–lipid interactions, confirming formulation compatibility. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis showed spherical nanoparticles with smooth surfaces and uniform morphology. Overall, the formulation displayed desirable physicochemical and release characteristics suitable for sustained drug delivery.
Conclusion: The study demonstrates that solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a promising delivery system for antiretroviral drugs, offering sustained release, improved pharmacokinetic behavior, and reduced dosing frequency. However, further in vivo studies are required to confirm their therapeutic efficacy and biodistribution profile.
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