The present investigation deals with the pazopanib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Pazo-SLNs) and their in-vitro and in-vivo assessments. Quality by design approach employing the Plackett-Burman and central composite design was used to identify the formulation variables, including drug/lipid ratio, organic/aqueous phase ratio, and surfactant concentration with a significant impact on the process and to fabricate a safe and efficacious novel oral dosage form of pazopanib. Particle size, drug loading, entrapment efficiency, and zeta potential of optimal Pazo-SLNs formulation were 210.03 ± 7.68 nm, 13.35 ± 0.95 %, 79.05 ± 2.55 % and -18.29 ± 1.89 mV (n = 3) respectively. FTIR study affirmed the absence of incompatibilities between the drug and the excipients. DSC and XRD measurements substantiated the amorphous form of pazopanib entrapped within the SLNs. Pazo-SLNs demonstrated high cellular uptake, showed substantial cytotoxicity to A-549 lung cancer cells due to apoptotic mode and inhibited tyrosine kinase in-vitro. Pazo-SLNs were found to be stable for three months. SLNs greatly ameliorated the pharmacokinetic behavior and bioavailability (9.5 folds) of pazopanib with a sustained-release pattern (92.67 ± 4.68 % within 24 h). A biodistribution study corroborated the lung targeting potential of Pazo-SLNs. Thus, SLNs could potentially boost the oral route efficacy of pazopanib against cancer cells.
Keywords: Central composite design; Controlled release; Design of expert; Plackett-Burman design; Solid lipid nanoparticles.
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