Layer by layer assembly of core-corona structured solid lipid nanoparticles with β-cyclodextrin polymers

Abstract

This study aims to design and characterize the layer-by-layer assembly of core-corona nanoarchitecture for novel surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles. Oppositely charged β-cyclodextrin polymers were used to build corona structure onto lipid core, and the particle size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential of SLN with polymer layers were evaluated. Morphology of surface-modified SLN was identified using TEM. The effect of polymer coating on drug release pattern was investigated by in-vitro release studies. The biocompatibility of the novel SLN systems was assessed on various healty cell lines using in vitro cytotoxicity assay. The presence of the oppositely charged polymer layers was found to be effective on alteration of zeta potential from negative to positive values and an increased surface charge density was achieved in comparison to core SLN. The results also revealed that the drug release is mainly controlled by diffusion and β-cyclodextrin polymers could enhance the slow/controlled release of drug. Cytotoxicity assay results suggested that the novel, hierarchical core-corona structured SLNs don't have cytotoxic effects on healthy cells and can be safely used as drug carriers. Overall, the layer-by-layer assembly of β-cyclodextrin polymers is promising for designing surface-modified nanoarchitectures of lipid nanoparticles that may be applied via many administration routes.

Keywords: Core-corona structure; Layer by layer assembly; Oppositely charged β-cyclodextrin polymers (poly-β-CDs); Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN); Surface modified SLN.