Solid lipid nanoparticles of Annona muricata fruit extract: formulation, optimization and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

Abstract

The present study was aimed to develop Annona muricata fruit extract loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and explore its cytotoxic potential in vitro model of breast cancers. Extract loaded SLNs were successfully prepared by high-pressure homogenization followed by ultrasonication method and optimized using 2³ full factorial design. The extract loaded SLNs were characterized using different parameters such as particle size (PS), % entrapment efficiency (EE), zeta potential (ZP) and % cumulative drug release (CDR). The SLNs formulation was optimized on the basis of software analysis with an overall desirability factor. The PS and %EE of the optimized formulation were found to be 134.8 nm and 83.26%, respectively. The optimized formulation showed a CDR of 79.83% up to 48 h. In vitro cytotoxicity efficacy of extract loaded SLNs was determined using MTT and Apoptosis assay and compared to that of a free extract. The SLNs showed a notable apoptotic effect and better efficacy to kill MCF7 cancer cells as compared to free extract. Thus, extract loaded SLNs could be an alternative dosage form which possibly controls therapeutic action with reducing side effect.

Keywords:

• Annona muricata
• SLNs
• factorial design
• cytotoxicity
• MTT assay
• apoptosis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research work was supported by All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), Government of India, New Delhi, India under Research Promotion Scheme, Approval No-8-84/RIFD/RPS/POLICY-3/2013-14.