Solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with iron to overcome barriers for treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, 46% of the world's children suffer from anemia, which is usually treated with iron supplements such as ferrous sulfate. The aim of this study was to prepare iron as solid lipid nanoparticles, in order to find an innovative way for alleviating the disadvantages associated with commercially available tablets. These limitations include adverse effects on the digestive system resulting in constipation and blood in the stool. The second drawback is the high variability in the absorption of iron and thus in its bioavailability. Iron solid lipid nanoparticles (Fe-SLNs) were prepared by hot homogenization/ultrasonication. Solubility of ferrous sulfate in different solid lipids was measured, and effects of process variables such as the surfactant type and concentration, homogenization and ultrasonication times, and charge-inducing agent on the particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency were determined. Furthermore, in vitro drug release and in vivo pharmacokinetics were studied in rabbits. Results indicated that Fe-SLNs consisted of 3% Compritol 888 ATO, 1% Lecithin, 3% Poloxamer 188, and 0.2% dicetylphosphate, with an average particle size of 25 nm with 92.3% entrapment efficiency. In vivo pharmacokinetic study revealed more than fourfold enhanced bioavailability. In conclusion, Fe-SLNs could be a promising carrier for iron with enhanced oral bioavailability.

Modern iron replacement therapy: clinical and pathophysiological insights

“…A further active field of research, particularly to address IDA in developing countries, is the possibility of enriching food with iron nanoformulations [91,92]. Early attempts using classical iron salts were disappointing, even because of changes in color and taste of food.…”

Nanotechnology towards prevention of anaemia and osteoporosis: from concept to market

“…Another study on solid lipid particles was done by Hosny et al [20], who developed solid lipid nanoparticles loaded with iron. The solubility of iron in various solid lipids was measured and the effect of variation of various parameters of synthesis like the type and concentration of surfactant, duration of homogenization and ultrasonication on the particle size, zeta potential and entrapment efficiency was also determined.…”

“…The presence of lipids also facilitates absorption by various mechanisms like intracellular or paracellular uptake through Peyer's patches, bypassing the liver by direct absorption into the lymphatic circulation. They can also be administered by various routes such as tropical, oral, ophthalmic, rectal and parenteral routes [20]. Thus, such lipid nanoparticle delivery systems can very efficiently enhance the release and bioavailability of iron in the body.…”

Preparation of Chitosan‐Coated Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (CH‐NLCs) to Control Iron Delivery and Their Potential Application to Food Beverage System

“…However, these iron salts are highly reactive with other components in the food system and affect the gastrointestinal tract adversely, then it may cause various side effects such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, allergic reactions, and so on (Hosny and others ). Moreover, the absorption rate and bioavailability of iron are variable depending on the environmental conditions such as pH and temperature (Jackson and Lee ; Hosny and others ). To overcome these issues, nanoencapsulation technique can be applied for iron supplementation and fortification in food system.…”

“…Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) contain partial crystallized lipid particles by including liquid lipids (oils) and solid lipids (fats) at room temperature whereas solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) possess only solid lipid droplets that have a highly ordered crystalline structure with bioactive molecules (Tamjidi and others ). Advantages of SLNs are biocompatibility, nontoxicity of excipients, feasibility of incorporation of both lipophilic and hydrophilic bioactive components, and increased drug stability (McClements and others ; Asumadu‐Mensah and others ; Hosny and others ). However, SLNs have some limitations such as low encapsulation efficiency and burst release of core (Tamjidi and others ).…”