Experimental validation of biocompatible nanostructured lipid carriers of sophorolipid: Optimization, characterization and in-vitro evaluation.

To date, the potential of sophorolipids (an important class of glycolipids) has been exploited solely as amphipathic molecules but their ability to formulate lipid nanoparticles has never been explored. In this report, for the first time, lipid nanostructures coated with polysorbates (Tweens) were formulated by a hot dispersion method. By varying the amount of lipid, type of surfactant, and alcohol, dilution ratio etc., the formulation was optimized with respect to its stability, which is a central aspect of their potential applications. Their comprehensive physicochemical characterization was done using static and dynamic light scattering (SLS, DLS), small angle neutron scattering (SANS), zeta-potential, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques. Further hemolysis study was conducted to understand the in-vitro cytotoxicity levels of the lipidic nanoparticles prior to its application as a potent drug delivery device for countermanding the problems associated with challenging tuberculosis and leprosy drug-Rifampicin. Attaining high entrapment efficiency and sustained release from the developed carrier, further interaction with bovine serum albumin was investigated, to understand the in-vivo behavior of the nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs).