Cavinton - Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Design and Characterization

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are novel colloidal particles for oral delivery with enhanced absorption rate. They overcome the disadvantages of other colloidal carriers such as emulsion, liposome, and polymeric nanoparticles. Cavinton is unique memory enhancer drug with short half-life and variable oral bioavailability (660%). In market, Cavinton is available as 5mg tablet thrice a day. The aim of the study was to develop controlled release SLNs by incorporating this drug in to lipid nanocarriers where nanosize particles and lipid used for formulation would help to control drug release over prolonged period. SLNs were prepared by High shear homogenization (HSH) technique using stearic acid as solid lipid core, Tween 80 and Poloxamer 188 as stabilizers. Formulations were optimized by 32 factorial design approach. Particle size and it's distribution were determined by Malvern Mastersizer and found to be 400 nm with polydispersity index 0.28. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) shown that SLNs were uniform spherical in shape. In vitro release studies shown that SLNs dispersions were able to control the drug release and it followed diffusion controlled release mechanism. The palatability of nanodispersion was improved using sweetener and flavors. HSH was found to be effective method to prepare high quality SLNs for once day oral administration of Cavinton.