Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles by Cold Dilution of Microemulsions: Curcumin Loading, Preliminary In Vitro Studies, and Biodistribution

Background: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are attractive drug delivery systems for lipophilic molecules like curcumin (CURC) with low chemical stability. Methods: A simple, innovative, and cold-operating method, named “cold dilution of microemulsion” is developed by the authors to produce SLNs. An oil-in-water microemulsion (µE), whose disperse phase consisted of a solution of trilaurin in a partially water-miscible solvent, was prepared after mutually saturating solvent and water. Trilaurin SLNs precipitated following solvent removal upon water dilution of the µE. After SLN characterization (mean size, Zeta potential, CURC entrapment efficiency, and over time stability), they were tested for in vitro cytotoxicity studies on pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell lines and for in vivo preliminary biodistribution studies in Wistar healthy rats. Results: CURC loaded SLNs (SLN-CURC) had mean diameters around 200 nm, were negatively charged, stable over time, and able to entrap CURC up to almost 90%, consequently improving its stability. SLN-CURC inhibited in vitro pancreatic carcinoma cell growth in concentration-dependent manner. Their in vivo intravenous administration suggested a possible long circulation. Conclusions: These results, according to a concomitant study on chitosan-coated SLNs, confirm the possibility to apply the developed SLN-based delivery systems as a means to entrap CURC, to improve both its water dispersibility and chemical stability, facilitating its application in therapy.