Exploration of a Simplified Protocol for Solid Lipid Nanoparticle Production and Characterization

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are exciting nanoparticles used for transporting therapeutic drugs into an organism. In this laboratory work, a simple experiment is performed to introduce master’s students into the field of nanotechnology, here applied to health including the applications in the healthcare/pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. This work demonstrates the advantages of SLNs as a vehicle to deliver/transport hydrophobic molecules. The experiments are designed to be accomplished in two parts, i.e., two practical classes of 120 min each. In the first part, students will produce SLNs using homogenization followed by the ultrasonication method. In the second part, the SLNs will be characterized through their hydrodynamic size, polydispersity index, and zeta potential and microscopically observed using a fluorescence microscope. Their encapsulation efficiency (EE) and loading capacity (LC) will be calculated. This laboratory work could be performed in groups of two students.