Because
of excellent bioavailability and high biocompatibility,
solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have gained attention in recent years,
especially in drug delivery systems. SLNs are composed of a drug that
is loaded in a lipid matrix and stabilized by surfactants. In this
work, we have investigated the feasibility of the acoustic cavitation-assisted
hot melt mixing method for the formulation of SLNs using different
stabilizers. A lipid Compritol 888 ATO (CPT) and a poorly water-soluble
drug ketoprofen (KP) were used as a model lipid and drug, respectively.
Gelucire 50/13 (GEL), poloxamer 407 (POL), and Pluronic F-127 (PLU)
were used as the stabilizers. The effect of the stabilizers on the
physico-chemical properties of SLNs was thoroughly studied in this
work. The particle size and stability in water at different temperatures
were measured using a dynamic light scattering method. The spherical
shape (below 250 nm) and core–shell morphology were confirmed
by field-emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron
microscopy. The chemical, crystal, and thermal properties of SLNs
were studied by FTIR, XRD analysis, and DSC, respectively. SLNs prepared
using different stabilizers showed an encapsulation efficiency of
nearly 90% and a drug loading efficiency of 12%. SLNs showed more
than 90% of drug released in 72 h and increased with pH was confirmed
using in vitro drug release studies. SLNs were nontoxic to raw 264.7
cells. All stabilizers were found suitable for acoustic cavitation-assisted
SLN formulation with high encapsulation efficiency and drug loading
and good biocompatibility.