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  • Formulations based on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) for cutaneous use: a review
    Publication . Garcês, A.; Amaral, M.H.; Sousa Lobo, J.M.; Silva, Ana Catarina
    Cutaneous use of lipid nanoparticles (solid lipid nanoparticles, SLN and nanostructured lipid carriers, NLC) has been showing promising results. These systems consist of low viscosity aqueous dispersions, being usually employed by means of semi-solid formulations with adequate consistency for skin application. This review addresses the cutaneous use of lipid nanoparticles for therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Initially, general information related to pharmaceutical semi-solid formulations is presented. Afterwards, the effects of SLN and NLC on the skin, and technological aspects related to semi-solid systems based on SLN or NLC are described. Finally, the most relevant studies related to the formulations based on SLN and NLC, for cosmetic and therapeutic applications, are reported. Notwithstanding the cutaneous use of SLN and NLC has been proposed for both local and transdermal delivery, the reported studies show promising results only for local application. In this sense, more research is required to better understanding the interaction mechanisms of lipid nanoparticles with skin lipids. Furthermore, the development of standard methods for skin experiments with nanoparticles is necessary.
  • Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) - based hydrogels as potential carriers for oral transmucosal delivery of Risperidone: preparation and characterization studies
    Publication . Silva, Ana Catarina; Amaral, M.H.; González-Mira, E.; Santos, D.; Ferreira, D.
    Two different solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN)-based hydrogels (HGs) formulations were developed as potential mucoadhesive systems for risperidone (RISP) oral transmucosal delivery. The suitability of the prepared semi-solid formulations for application on oral mucosa was assessed by means of rheological and textural analysis, during 30 days. Plastic flows with thixotropy and high adhesiveness were obtained for all the tested systems, which predict their success for the oral transmucosal application proposed. The SLN remained within the colloidal range after HGs preparation. However, after 30 days of storage, a particle size increase was detected in one type of the HGs formulations. In vitro drug release studies revealed a more pronounced RISP release after SLN hydrogel entrapment, when compared to the dispersions alone. In addition, a pH-dependent release was observed as well. The predicted in vivo RISP release mechanism was Fickian diffusion alone or combined with erosion.
  • Intranasal lipid nanoparticles for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases
    Publication . Cunha, S.; Almeida, H.; Amaral, M.H.; Lobo, J.M. Sousa; Silva, Ana Catarina
    Background: treatments for neurodegenerative diseases are challenging, due to the absence of fully effective medicines. One of the major problems associated to these is the occurrence of non-targeting events, which leads to adverse effects and requires frequent dose administration. Methods: Researches have been performed to develop new drug delivery systems administrated by alternative routes. For example, the direct nose-to-brain delivery of drugs by means of lipid nanoparticles, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), has been showing promising results. Results: Among the advantages of intranasal administration is the avoidance of passing the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to reach the central nervous system (CNS), allowing the direct delivery of drugs to the brain by a noninvasive way, minimizing systemic exposure and prolonging residence time. This review article discusses the advantages of using SLN and NLC for direct nose-to-brain drug delivery. A brief reference to other lipid-based carriers (liposomes, nanoemulsions and microemulsions) is also provided. Conclusion: The benefits of using SLN and NLC for improve nasal drug delivery have been demonstrated by in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo experiments. However, more in vivo animal studies are needed for advance to human clinical trials and reach clinics.