Simvastatin-loaded Nanoemulsions: Development, Characterization, Stability Study and Toxicity Assays

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to prepare and characterize simvastatin-loaded nanoemulsions (SIM-LN) as well as evaluate their physicochemical properties and toxicity. Methodology & results: The SIM-LN were prepared, their characteristics evaluated for 30 days, and after that, the SIM-LN toxicity was evaluated using Vero cell culture and the in vivo model of Caenorhabditis elegans. The prepared SIM-LN had an average droplet size of 139 ± 22 nm, with high encapsulation rate (>98.4%). The storage at room temperature proved to be the most optimal condition. Toxicity assays demonstrated no toxicity. Conclusion: It was demonstrated that the surfactants used as emulsifiers optimized the properties without side effects, because no toxicity was measured in preliminary tests.

Keywords:

• Caenorhabditis elegans
• nanoemulsion
• statin
• toxicity

Financial & competing interests disclosure

This research was supported by grants from UFN (LMF Krause, AF Ourique and CR Boeck). This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - Brasil (CAPES) (Finance Code 001 to MPM, RGB and BCG). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Writing assistance was provided by Editage in the production of this manuscript and was paid for by the author CR Boeck.