Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Carriers of Natural Phenolic Compounds

Abstract

Phenolic compounds are one of the most widespread classes of compounds in nature, with several beneficial biological effects being associated with their anti-oxidant and anti-carcinogenic activities. Their application in the prevention or treatment of numerous chronic diseases have been studied, but a major drawback is still the low bioavailability of these compounds, as well as their instability towards pH, temperature, and light in some cases. Nanotechnology has emerged as an alternative to overcome these limitations, and the use of lipidic encapsulation systems is a promising technique to achieve an efficient drug delivery, protecting molecules from external factors and improving their bioavailability. In this review, solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers are highlighted as an important tool for the improvement of the bioavailability and stability of natural phenolic compounds, including their preparation methods and functionalization approaches and the discussion of several applications for putative use in cosmetic and pharmacologic products.

The Potential of Caffeic Acid Lipid Nanoparticulate Systems for Skin Application: In Vitro Assays to Assess Delivery and Antioxidant Effect

“…However, the poor water solubility and chemical stability of CA makes necessary the use of specialized delivery systems suitable for its solubilization, protection from degradation, and the maintenance of antioxidative power [ 10 , 11 , 12 , 13 ]. Recently, researchers have proposed nanoparticulate systems for antioxidant molecules encapsulation in order to preserve them from degradation and ensure a prolonged action [ 14 , 15 ]. Among the others, nanosystems based on natural lipids have gained particular attention due to their biocompatibility, capability to encapsulate lipophilic molecules, and easy way of production, avoiding the use of organic solvents, thus ensuring a low toxicity profile [ 16 , 17 ].…”

“…Concerning SLN, their matrix is usually constituted of solid lipids, such as glycerides, sterols, fatty acids, or waxes [ 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ]. Notably, SLN have been recently proposed for the oral and cutaneous administration of phenolic compounds, protecting them against chemical degradation [ 15 , 23 ]. On the other hand, ETHO are thermodynamically stable vesicular systems constituted of phospholipids, ethanol, and water [ 24 ].…”

The Evaluation of Drug Delivery Nanocarrier Development and Pharmacological Briefing for Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD): An Update

“…Solid lipid nanocarriers (SLNs) are colloidal drug delivery systems that were developed in the late 1980s. They are best described as a combination of liposomes and niosomes containing phospholipids and surfactant molecules, with a PS range from 40 to 1000 nm [ 171 , 172 ]; they are derived from oil-in-water (O/W) emulsions by replacing liquid lipids with a lipid matrix that is solid at room and body temperatures [ 173 ]. The lipid core typically consists of fatty acids (e.g., stearic acid), monoglycerides (e.g., glycerol monostearate), diglycerides (e.g., glycerol behenate), triglycerides (e.g., tripalmitin, tristearin, trilaurin), waxes (e.g., cetyl palmitate), or steroids (e.g., cholesterol), and is stabilized by appropriate surfactants [ 174 , 175 ].…”

“…As illustrated in Figure 8 , type I is a homogeneous matrix model where the drug is dispersed in the lipid core with controlled release properties, while in type II a drug-free lipid core is formed, and a solid exterior shell with both lipid and drug is formed. Unlike type II, type III is adequate in achieving a prolonged drug release [ 172 ].…”

Budesonide Compatibility Study With Excipients for Preparation of Nanoparticle

“…As an effective stabilizer, polar and non-polar compounds which can form water-in-oil or oil-in-water emulsions act as a shared solvent. These properties also make it helpful as a dispersing agent for pigments in oils or solids in fats, or as a solvent for phospholipids such as lecithin [20,21]. When using glyceryl monostearate in a formulation, the possibility of polymorph formation should be recognized.…”