FORMULATION, OPTIMIZATION AND EVALUATION OF SUSTAINED RELEASE SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES

Abstract

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as a promising nanocarrier system for sustained drug delivery because of their excellent biocompatibility, controlled drug release, enhanced stability, and ability to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. The present study focuses on the formulation, optimization, and evaluation of sustained release solid lipid nanoparticles using a suitable lipid matrix, surfactant system, and homogenization technique. A Quality by Design (QbD) approach employing statistical optimization was utilized to investigate the influence of formulation variables, including lipid concentration, surfactant concentration, and homogenization conditions, on critical quality attributes such as particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, drug loading, and in vitro drug release. The optimized formulation exhibited nanosized particles with a narrow size distribution, high drug encapsulation efficiency, and acceptable physical stability. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained drug release profile over an extended period, indicating controlled diffusion of the drug from the lipid matrix. Morphological characterization confirmed spherical nanoparticles with a smooth surface, while stability studies showed minimal changes in physicochemical properties during storage. The findings suggest that optimized SLNs represent an efficient and versatile sustained-release delivery platform capable of improving therapeutic efficacy, reducing dosing frequency, and enhancing patient compliance. This study supports the growing application of lipid-based nanocarriers for the development of advanced pharmaceutical dosage forms.