Formulation and Optimization of Fenofibrate Solid Lipid Nanoparticle- Based Gel for Enhanced Controlled Release and Transdermal Bioavailability
Muhimmatul Khoiriyah*, Ilham Kuncahyo, Jason Merari Perangirangin, TN Saifullah, Iswandi, Annisa Fatmawati, Adhi Gunawan and Salsabil Priladiya Rafida
ABSTRACT
Fenofibrate, a lipid-lowering drug, exhibits poor aqueous solubility and limited oral bioavailability, which consequently lead to inconsistent therapeutic efficacy. To address this limitation, this study developed a solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN)-based drug delivery system intended for transdermal application to enhance drug solubilization and provide controlled release. SLNs have emerged as a promising nanocarrier system owing to their ability to encapsulate lipophilic drugs within a solid lipid matrix and improve in vitro permeation characteristics.
This study aimed to optimize the formulation of fenofibrate-loaded SLNs, incorporate them into a gel base, and evaluate their in vitro release and transdermal diffusion behavior using Franz diffusion cells.
Fenofibrate-loaded SLNs were prepared using the hot homogenization–ultrasonication method, followed by optimization of lipid type, surfactant concentration, and process parameters. The optimized formulation was evaluated for particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, and entrapment efficiency. The SLN gel was prepared using an appropriate gelling base and evaluated for in vitro drug release and diffusion using Franz diffusion cells.
The optimized SLN formulation exhibited a particle size of 182.4 ± 3.1 nm, a PDI of 0.268 ± 0.012, a zeta potential of −28.7 ± 1.6 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 88.9 ± 2.4%. Incorporation of SLNs into the gel base significantly enhanced cumulative drug permeation, approximately 3.8-fold higher than the conventional fenofibrate gel, and demonstrated a sustained release profile consistent with non-Fickian diffusion kinetics.
The optimized SLN-based gel improved in vitro drug release and transdermal diffusion, indicating its potential as a promising nanocarrier system for controlled transdermal delivery of poorly water-soluble drugs. Further in vivo and skin-based studies are required to confirm its clinical applicability.
