LAUSR

Abstract Nanostructured-lipid-carriers (NLC) can improve the encapsulation rate and the stability of drugs. The aim of this study was to develop an amphotericin B (AmB)-containing-NLC (AmB-NLC). An experimental design was applied in order to determine the component concentration within the final formulation. The prepared NLC had their stability assessed on the basis of particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and AmB recovery rate. NLC were also lyophilized (LYO) and optimized in order to improve their shelf-life. The experimental design presented the optimal component concentration as 7:3 (w/w) solid:liquid lipid ratio and 3% of surfactants. The produced NLC were white translucent, becoming yellow translucent when AmB was incorporated. For lyophilization, maltose was the best cryoprotectant using a 48 h freeze-drying cycle. Both the LYO-AmB-NLC and LYO-NLC were readily dispersible in water. The dried systems had slightly different physicochemical properties; however, they maintained their high encapsulation efficiency of above 90%. Additionally, thermal studies confirmed the entrapment of the AmB into the systems. The in vitro release profile, assessed 24 h after particle preparation, fitted the Baker-Lonsdale model. In conclusion, all the results together revealed that the developed NLC can be an available alternative as a drug delivery system for AmB.