FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES CONTAINING GINGER OIL FOR ENHANCEMENT OF STABILITY

Objective: To develop and characterize ginger oil loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for enhancement of its stability. Methods: Ginger oil loaded SLNs were prepared in four different batches by double emulsification method using different concentrations of soya lecithin and Tween 80. Further, these batches were characterized for particle size, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency and in vitro release study. After observing the results, batch F4 was further characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Spectroscopy (TEM) and Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). In addition the optimized batch was subjected to anti-microbial study. Finally, stability studies were done by storing the F4 formulation at accelerated condition, room temperature, refrigerated temperature and photostability were performed by exposing the formulation to UV/fluorescence lamp for 6 mo. Results: The encapsulation efficiency of various batches of SLNs was in the range of 79.75 to 90.24%. The size ranges varied between 50 to 1000 nm. Zeta potential of all formulations was found to be in the range of-44.52 to-49.37 mV. The FTIR spectra of optimized F4 batch indicated no significant structural changes or complexation reactions between drug and excipients. Moreover, TEM image of displayed spherical shape with smooth surface. In vitro drug release study exhibited 95% drug release up to 12 h which indicated suitability of formulation. Thus F4 batch formulation stored at room temperature and refrigerated conditions was found most stable while, accelerated and photostability samples were found to be most susceptible in comparison. Conclusion: The physicochemical stability of ginger oil extract was enhanced by loading it into solid lipid nanocarriers; the resulting SLNs also showed good antimicrobial potential against Klebsiella pneumonia throughout storage conditions.