Effect of surfactant on characteristics of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN)

Abstract

SLN have shown a great promise as an alternative drug carrier for intravenous and dermal applications. This work focuses on the basic properties of drug-free Compritol® ATO 888 based SLN systems by using cationic surfactant (CPC) and nonionic surfactant (Tween 80). Effects of surfactant on the physical properties of SLNs were investigated in the absence of model drug to avoid the interaction between drug and surfactant. These SLN samples have different particle size, zeta potential and morphology. DSC was used to quantify the crystallinity of SLN systems. It was found that %RI of both SLNs was similar, indicating that types of surfactant did not affect on crystallization of solid lipid. Spherical-like particle was observed with SLN-C, while rod-like particle was found with SLN-T. The results demonstrated that surfactant plays an important role on SLN physical characteristics.