Impact of Lipid Type and Ratio in Rizatriptan Benzoate Nanostructured Lipid Carrier

Abstract

Nanotechnology represents a magic wand to solve most problems related to improving drug efficiency, one of the most important of these problems is the drug’s permeability through biological membranes. Rizatriptan benzoate was used for the treatment of acute migraine, it has poor permeability and is difficult to administer through the nose. This study aims to design a nanostructured lipid carrier containing rizatriptan benzoate as a trial to enhance its biological permeability. A high shear homogenization technique was utilized as a method of preparation; glyceryl monostearate and becs wax are used as solid lipids while oleic acid and castor oil were used as liquid lipids in different ratios. Particle size analysis, polydispersity index, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and loading efficiency were considered the main criteria for the evaluation, meanwhile, the in-vitro release test was done for the formulas having smallest particle size. Moreover, the infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) are investigated for the selected formula. The obtained outcome revealed a significant effect on the particle size and entrapment efficiency upon enhancing the ratio of liquid lipid. Furthermore, changing the type of solid and liquid lipid leads to a dramatic alteration in the criteria of evaluation, also biphasic release pattern was seen. The infrared spectroscopy shows an intact rizatriptan benzoate, while DSC revealed a change of drug molecule to an amorphous state. In conclusion, a high shear homogenization can be used to formulate a successful nanostructured lipid carrier with good physical properties.