Preparation of gamma cyclodextrin stabilized solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNS) using stearic acid–γ-cyclodextrin inclusion complex

The inclusion complexation behaviour of higher chain fatty acid, stearic acid (SA) with gamma cyclodextrin has been investigated. The inclusion complex was characterized by FT-IR, 1H NMR, 2D NMR, XRD and DSC techniques. The results showed that the SA molecule was entrapped inside the gamma cyclodextrin cavity. Further, inclusion complex was treated with lopinavir at 85 °C and emulsified with hot water at 85 °C. The resulted nanoemulsion was cooled down to form solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) stabilized with gamma cyclodextrin. Prepared SLNs were having average particle size of 212.5 ± 4.8 nm, zeta potential of −19.7 ± 0.66 mV and drug loading of 57.54 ± 0.62 %. The surface characteristics of SLNs were also observed with transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Results indicate that inclusion complex of SA and gamma cyclodextrin can be used for SLNs preparation.