Development and optimization of flavonoid-enriched solid lipid nanoparticles of Peperomia pellucida for enhanced brain delivery in Alzheimer's disease: A Quality by Design approach.

OBJECTIVES: The Peperomia pellucida plant exhibits notable neuroprotective potential but has low oral bioavailability in the brain. Herein, we aimed to enhance the oral bioavailability and brain distribution of P. pellucida, by formulating its flavonoid-enriched fraction into solid lipid nanoparticles as a potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer' disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Flavonoid-enriched solid lipid nanoparticles of P. pellucida were formulated using an ultrasonication method. A Box-Behnken design was utilized to optimize particle size, entrapment efficiency, and burst release. The optimized formulation was identified via numerical and graphical optimization, and validated through reproducibility studies. Further characterization included scanning electron microscopy and in vivo drug release studies in rats.

RESULTS: Glycerol tripalmitate-based solid lipid nanoparticles exhibited superior entrapment efficiency and reduced burst release. The mean particle size of the solid lipid nanoparticles ranged 110-884nm, with entrapment efficiency ranging 55-94%. Oral administration of the optimized formulation significantly improved bioavailability in rats and enhanced drug distribution in the cortex and hippocampus of the brain.

CONCLUSION: The results highlight the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles as an effective delivery system for the flavonoid-enriched fraction of P. pellucida, enhancing its therapeutic impact in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.