Microsphere and particle technology with selective transport of radiation represents a new generation of therapeutics. Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) microspheres loaded with holmium-166 acetylacetonate ((166)Ho-PLLA-MS) are novel microdevices. In this research, (165)HoAcAc-PLLA microparticles were prepared by the solvent evaporation technique. Microspheres were irradiated at Tehran Research Reactor. The diameter and surface morphologies were characterized by particle sizer and scanning electron microscopy before and after irradiation. The complex stability, radiochemical purity, and in vivo biodistribiotion were checked in the final solution up to 3 days. In this study, (166)Ho-PLLA spherical particles with a smooth surface and diameter of 20-40 µm were obtained, which were stable in vitro and in vivo studies. Neutron irradiation did not damage the particles. The ease with which the PLLA spheres could be made in the optimal size range for later irradiation and their ability to retain the (166)Ho provided good evidence for their potential use in radioembolization.

Purpose: Propolis is a resinous material obtained by honeybees with many biological and pharmacological properties which can be used for treatment of various diseases. Current study aims to formulate and characterize propolis-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) carrier system. Methods: The prepared SLNs, composed of glyceryl monostearate (GMS), Soy lecithin, Tween 80 and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400), were fabricated employing solvent emulsification-evaporation technique. In addition, the impact of several variables including concentration ratios of GMS/Soy lecithin and PEG 400/Tween 80 along with emulsification time were evaluated on the size, polydispersity index (PDI) and zeta potential of particles. SLN formulations were optimized using Box-Behnken design. The particles were freeze dried and morphologically studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The in-vitro release profile of propolis entrapped in the optimized nanoparticles was investigated. Results: The mean particle size, PDI, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (EE) and loading efficiency (LE) of optimized propolis-loaded SLNs were found to be 122.6±22.36 nm, 0.28±0.06, -26.18±3.3 mV, 73.57±0.86% and 3.29±0.27%, respectively. SEM images exhibited nanoparticles to be non-aggregated and in spherical shape. The in-vitro release study showed prolonged release of propolis from nanoparticles. Conclusion: The results implied that the proposed way of SLN preparation could be considered as a proper method for production of propolis loaded colloidal carrier system.