Lipid nanoparticles for brain targeting I. Formulation optimization

The aim of this study was to optimize the formulation of lipid nanoparticles (NPs), intended for brain targeting, with the aid of a computer generated experimental design. The high pressure homogenization technique, selected for this purpose, was suitable to formulate the 3 investigated lipids (i.e., Softisan (R) 142, SOFT; Compritol (R) 888 ATO, COMP; cetyl palmitate, CP) into nanometre-length particles, while the computer generated experimental design helped to individuate the best preparation conditions with a small number of experimental assay. Even though all the 3 optimized formulations were suitable for intravenous infusion, CP NPs showed the smallest particle size and the appropriate thermal behaviour to be used as carriers in brain targeting applications. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.