Introduction
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) form an alternative carrier system to the traditional carrier options, such as the liposomes. Generally, SLN have diameters between 50-1000nm. Because their size-dependent properties, they are promising agents in developing controlled and site specific drug release therapies.
Figure 1. Structure of a solid lipid nanoparticle
http://www.eurekaselect.com/images/graphical-abstract/nanotec/9/3/1.jpg
Assembly of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
- Solid lipid nanoparticles are assembled with NanoAssemblr in the Li Lab.
- Lipids and drugs are dissolved in the organic phase, while buffer is injected through the aqueous phase.
- Alteration of flow rate and flow ratio can vary the property of the resulting nanoparticles.
Figure 2. NanoAssemblr (up) and an example of NanoAssemblr set up using 5% glucose buffer as the aqueous phase (down)
Applications
Applications
- Sustained ophthalmic formulation
- β-amyloid imaging
Figure 3. Assembly of solid lipid nanoparticles with NanoAssemblr has shown to increase the solubility of water-insoluble curcumin to enhance the delivery of the drug