Synthesis of sub-10 nm solid lipid nanoparticles for topical and biomarker detection applications

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: Calderón-Colón, Xiomara, Patchan, Marcia W., Theodore, Mellisa L., Le, Huong T., Sample, Jennifer L., Benkoski, Jason J., Patrone, Julia B.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.02.2014; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Biomarkers; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemiluminescence; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Correlation; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Equations of state, phase equilibria, and phase transitions; Exact sciences and technology; Hydrogen peroxide; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Latent heat; Lipids; Materials Science; Mathematical models; Melting; Melting point; Methods of nanofabrication; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanotechnology; Optical Devices; Optics; Particle size; Phase inversion; Phase shift; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physical properties; Physics; Research Paper; Specific phase transitions; Statistical analysis; Structural transitions in nanoscale materials; Synthesis; Thermal properties; Thermal properties of condensed matter; Thermal properties of small particles, nanocrystals, nanotubes; Design of experiments (DOE); Biomarker detection; Solid lipid nanoparticle (SLN); Topical delivery; Nanobiotechnology; Particle size; Statistical analysis; Hydrogen peroxide; Nanotoxicology; Solubility; Lipids; Melting points; Flexibility; Physical properties; Nanoparticles; Thermal properties; In vivo; Experimental design; Biocompatibility; Stress effects; Biological markers; Nanostructured materials; Nanomaterial synthesis
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2252-2

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a promising platform for sensing in vivo biomarkers due to their biocompatibility, stability, and their ability to carry a wide range of active ingredients. The skin is a prominent target organ for numerous inflammatory and stress-related biomarkers, making it an excellent site for early detection of physiological imbalance and application of sensory nanoparticles. Though smaller particle size has generally been correlated with increased penetration of skin models, there has been little attention paid to the significance of other nanoparticle synthesis parameters with respect to their physical properties. In this study, we demonstrate the synthesis of sub-10 nm SLNs by the phase inversion temperature (PIT) method. These particles were specifically designed for topical delivery of hydrogen peroxide-detecting chemiluminescent dyes. A systematic design of experiments approach was used to investigate the role of the processing variables on SLN form and properties. The processing variables were correlated with the SLN properties (e.g., dye solubility, phase inversion temperature, particle size, polydispersity, melting point, and latent heat of melting). Statistical analysis revealed that the PIT method, while allowing total control over the thermal properties, resulted in well-controlled synthesis of ultra-small particles, while allowing great flexibility in the processing conditions and incorporated compounds.