Sugarcane Wax-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Atorvastatin Carrier: Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity in Rats

Chemistry Medicinal Chemistry Pharmacy Cardiovascular System Medicine
Sugarcane wax Solid lipid nanoparticles Atorvastatin In vivo studies Antihyperlipidemic

Academic Background

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis, are one of the leading causes of death globally. Elevated cholesterol levels are a major risk factor for atherosclerosis. Atorvastatin (ATV) is a widely used cholesterol-lowering drug, but its oral bioavailability is low, primarily due to first-pass metabolism. To improve the bioavailability of atorvastatin, researchers have explored various drug delivery systems, among which Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNPs) have garnered significant attention due to their excellent biocompatibility, controlled drug release capabilities, and cost-effectiveness. Sugarcane wax, as a biocompatible, economical, and abundant raw material, was used to synthesize nanoparticles to enhance the delivery of atorvastatin.

Source of the Paper

The research was conducted by a team from NED University of Engineering and Technology and Jinnah University for Women in Pakistan, in collaboration with Université du Maine in France. The paper was published in 2025 in the journal Bionanoscience, titled “Sugarcane Wax-Based Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as an Atorvastatin Carrier: Characterization and In Vivo Evaluation of Antihyperlipidemic Activity in Rats.”

Research Process

1. Materials and Synthesis

The researchers first extracted sugarcane wax from bagasse and press mud, and then synthesized atorvastatin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (ATV-SLNPs) using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method. The specific steps are as follows: - Organic Phase Preparation: 2 grams of sugarcane wax was melted at 76°C, and 10 mg of atorvastatin was added to form a homogeneous mixture. - Aqueous Phase Preparation: 9 ml of water and 1 ml of 2% Tween 80 were mixed. - Emulsion Formation: The organic phase was slowly injected into the aqueous phase, stirred for 1 hour to form an oil-water emulsion. - Ultrasonication: The emulsion was subjected to 10 minutes of ultrasonication to reduce particle size. - Solvent Evaporation: The mixture was stirred at room temperature for 3 hours, followed by drying at 50°C to obtain dry ATV-SLNPs powder.

2. Nanoparticle Characterization

The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various methods: - Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR): Analyzed the molecular interactions of the nanoparticles, confirming the successful loading of atorvastatin into the nanoparticles. - X-ray Diffraction (XRD): Determined the crystallinity and particle size of the nanoparticles, with results showing an average particle size of 258.47 nm and a crystallinity of 60.14%. - Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM): Observed the morphology of the nanoparticles, showing that atorvastatin-loaded nanoparticles had higher density. - Entrapment Efficiency: Measured by an indirect method, the results showed an entrapment efficiency of 76.01% for ATV-SLNPs.

3. Biological Evaluation

The researchers evaluated the antihyperlipidemic activity of ATV-SLNPs through in vivo experiments: - Antioxidant Activity: Through the DPPH radical scavenging assay, it was found that ATV-SLNPs exhibited higher antioxidant activity (50.44%) compared to free atorvastatin (41.59%). - Antihyperlipidemic Activity: In a hyperlipidemic rat model induced by a high-fat diet, ATV-SLNPs significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) levels, while increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.

Key Results

  • Nanoparticle Characterization: FTIR and XRD analyses confirmed the successful loading of atorvastatin into sugarcane wax nanoparticles, with the nanoparticles exhibiting high crystallinity and uniform morphology.
  • Entrapment Efficiency: The entrapment efficiency of ATV-SLNPs reached 76.01%, indicating the method’s effectiveness in encapsulating the drug.
  • Antioxidant Activity: ATV-SLNPs showed significantly higher antioxidant activity than free atorvastatin, suggesting that the nanoparticles enhance the drug’s antioxidant effects.
  • Antihyperlipidemic Activity: In the hyperlipidemic rat model, ATV-SLNPs significantly reduced TC, LDL, TG, and VLDL levels while increasing HDL levels, demonstrating stronger lipid-lowering effects.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that sugarcane wax-based solid lipid nanoparticles can effectively improve the bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of atorvastatin. ATV-SLNPs synthesized using the single emulsion solvent evaporation method exhibited high entrapment efficiency and crystallinity, significantly reducing cholesterol levels in hyperlipidemic rats. Additionally, the green assessment of the method (AGREE score of 0.73) indicates its environmental friendliness. Overall, this research provides new insights into developing more effective drug delivery systems for cholesterol-lowering medications.

Research Highlights

  • Innovation: First use of sugarcane wax as a matrix for solid lipid nanoparticles, exploring its application in drug delivery.
  • Efficiency: ATV-SLNPs significantly improved the entrapment efficiency and bioavailability of atorvastatin.
  • Environmental Friendliness: The method utilizes renewable sugarcane wax, achieving a high green assessment score.
  • Application Prospects: The research offers new possibilities for developing more effective drug delivery systems for cholesterol-lowering medications, with broad application potential.

Additional Valuable Information

The study also proposed several future research directions, including exploring targeted drug delivery mechanisms, evaluating the stability of the formulation under different storage conditions, and conducting more in-depth pharmacokinetic studies. Furthermore, the method could be applied to the delivery of other hydrophobic drugs, further expanding its potential in the pharmaceutical field.