Preparation, characterization, and in vitro anticancer assessment of olaparib-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are gaining interest due to promising potential as a carrier system for various therapies. This research focuses on the preparation of Olaparib drug-loaded SLNs and the evaluation of their therapeutic potential. Prepared SLNs were characterized using physicochemical, structural, and morphological methods. SLN-3, identified through optimization as having an optimal particle size, was utilized for further studies. FTIR spectra confirmed the successful loading, preparation, and TEM images revealed the size of SLNs to be around 150 nm with a spherical shape. Crystallinity of the prepared SLN-3 was confirmed with the XRD pattern in comparison with the excipients. Drug encapsulation and loading were found 83% and 10.4%, respectively, with significant improvement in solubility and permeability of Olaparib. In vitro release study suggested the sustained release behavior of OLP-SLNs (SLN-3) at 24 h, where 88.7% and 72.9% of the drug was released from OLP-SLNs at pH 5 and 6.8, respectively, using the Hixon-Crowell model at pH 5 and the first-order model at pH 6.8. Cytotoxicity study demonstrated a substantial increase in cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ for free OLP and OLP-SNPs were 18.61 μg/mL and 10.4 μg/mL at 24 h) against MCF-7 cells, indicating enhanced bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. This novel formulation has potential for further development towards clinical outcomes in cancer therapy.

KEY WORDS: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), Olaparib, Cancer therapy, Drug-delivery, MCF-7 cells

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2026, 40(11), 2397-2413

DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v40i11.9