Background:
Poor solubility and low oral bioavailability are major challenges associated
with the oral delivery of the antidiabetic drug Vigna radiata (VR). Nanostructured lipid carriers
(NLCs) have emerged as a promising strategy to overcome these limitations and improve the therapeutic
efficacy of VR. This study investigated the potential of NLCs for VR delivery and explored
the influence of formulation parameters on NLC properties and drug release behavior.
Methods:
NLCs loaded with VR were prepared using the melt emulsion ultrafiltration technique. The
effect of two key formulation variables – the ratio of liquid lipid to solid lipid and the concentration
of the surfactant – were investigated in terms of particle size, zeta potential, and drug encapsulation
efficiency. The in vitro release profiles of the VR-NLC formulations were evaluated, and the optimal
formulation was subjected to further analysis to investigate its release kinetics.
Results:
The NLCs exhibited particle sizes ranging from 108.9 to 192.3 nm and all formulations possessed
a negative zeta potential (-3.68 to -10.9 mV), indicating good stability and potential for resisting
aggregation. Interestingly, the lowest solid lipid to liquid lipid ratio and the lowest surfactant
concentration yielded the highest drug encapsulation efficiency, highlighting the complex interplay
between these factors. All VR-NLC formulations exhibited a biphasic, time-dependent in vitro release
pattern, suggesting an initial burst release followed by a sustained release phase. This biphasic
profile is promising for achieving both rapid onset of action and long-lasting glycemic control, which
are crucial aspects of effective diabetes management.
The optimized NLC formulation showed an in vitro release pattern that adhered to the Higuchi diffusion
model, suggesting a controlled release mechanism where the drug diffuses steadily out of the
NLC matrix. This finding indicates potentially predictable and consistent drug delivery in vivo.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the potential of NLCs as a promising platform for the controlled
oral delivery of VR. NLCs can overcome the inherent limitations of VR and provide a convenient
and effective oral antidiabetic option for patients. Further research is needed to confirm the
efficacy and safety of NLC-encapsulated VR in vivo using relevant animal models. This will pave
the way for the development of a novel and potentially transformative treatment option for diabetes.