Development of nanostructured lipid systems using low-complexity processes

• Grant number: 24/07308-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Newton Andréo Filho
• Grantee: Nicoly Tereza Ribeiro de Britto
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciências Ambientais, Químicas e Farmacêuticas (ICAQF). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus Diadema. Diadema , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Nanotechnology has gained prominence in several areas, including medicine and cosmetics, due to the unique properties of nanoscale materials. Nanostructured systems have been increasingly used as vehicles for the controlled delivery of bioactives. Among them are lipid systems, which can be obtained by emulsification: solid lipid nanoparticles (NLS), nanostructured lipid carriers (CLN), and nanoemulsions (NE). The composition and manufacturing process play crucial roles in the effectiveness of these systems. Top-down and bottom-up processes are generally used in manufacturing, with challenges associated with industrial scalability due to the use of specific equipment and the use of organic solvents, respectively. This project aims to develop nanostructured lipid systems through low-complexity methods, using resveratrol as a model drug for skin release. The nanostructured lipid systems will be prepared by the Microemulsification with Phase Inversion (ME&IF) and Aqueous Phase Overheating Emulsification (ESAFA) methods, with studies of variables in the process and formulation through Design of Experiments (DoE), being characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, resveratrol release and in vitro safety. It is expected that the proposed obtaining methods will generate uniform, stable lipid nanoparticles, with high encapsulation efficiency and controlled release of the bioactive, becoming a versatile and efficient platform for the delivery of lipophilic drugs.