Assessment of lactoferrin-conjugated solid lipid nanoparticles for efficient targeting to the lung

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to develop a target oriented drug delivery system for the lungs. Lactoferrin (Lf)-coupled solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) bearing rifampicin was prepared by a solvent injection method. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized for shape, particle size, polydispersity and percentage drug entrapment. An optimized formulation was then studied for its in vivo performance in animals and to determine its targeting efficiency. It was observed that, upon coupling with Lf, the size of SLNs increased while the percent entrapment efficiency decreases. In in vitro release, determined by a dialysis technique, analysis showed that uncoupled SLNs exhibited higher drug release as compared to coupled SLNs. An in vivo biodistribution study shows 47.7 ±0.4 drug uptakes by the lungs, which was 3.05 times higher in comparison to uncoupled SLNs. These biodistribution studies are further supported by the fluorescence study that revealed enhanced uptake of Lf-coupled SLNs in the lung. From the presented results, it can be concluded that Lf-coupled SLNs enhanced drug uptake in the lung. Moreover, lactoferrin is an efficient molecule that can be used for targeting active agents directly to the lung.

Dermal Delivery of Docetaxel Loaded Nano Liquid Crystals for the Treatment of Skin Cancer

“…The particle size of NLCs determined by the light scattering method (Malvern Zetasizer, ZEM 5002, and UK) and found that the average particle size of optimized formulation was 178.37±5.07 nm. The PDI was found 0.189 and Zeta potential was-17.3±2.4 (table 1) [14,16,17]. It was observed that the particles size of NLCs was increase with increasing the concentration of stearic acid and similarly particle size was decease with increasing the concentration of tween 80, stirring speed and increasing the sonication time.…”

“…2(a) and 2(b). Analysis of sample on SEM and TEM was carried out at IISER, Bhopal, India [14][15][16].…”

“…This solution was mixed thoroughly and filtered using Whatman filter paper no.1. Then 1.0 ml of filtered solution was taken in 10 ml capacity of volumetric flask and volume was made up to 10 ml with 0.01 N HCL [16]. This solution was analyzed using UV-Spectroscope at λmax…”

“…2 °C) and at room temperature (25-28±2 °C) for 3 w. The formulation subjected to stability study was stored in borosilicate container to avoid any interaction between the formulation and glass of container. The formulations were analyzed for any physical changes and drug content (table 2) [16].…”

Sharpening nature's tools for efficient tuberculosis control: A review of the potential role and development of host-directed therapies and strategies for targeted respiratory delivery

“…The optimum diameter size for solid spherical particles to deposit in the lungs is considered to be approximately 1 -5 µm [218]. However nano-sized particles have also been studied, either as standalone particles or in composite systems, due to the highsurface area, encapsulation efficiency and their ability to escape mucociliary clearance [219,220].…”