Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Berberine by Spray-Drying Method

Berberine is commonly used in Eastern countries due to its various biological activities and low cost. However, low permeability has limited its bioavailability. This study was conducted to fabricate solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing berberine by spray-drying method to enhance its absorption in the human body. SLNs containing berberine was prepared by stearic acid as a solid lipid base and various surfactants. Then, the aqueous dispersion of SLNs was converted into powders to be stored over a long time by the spray-drying method with carbohydrate carriers. The spray-drying parameters such as the inlet and outlet temperatures, the blower speed, the atomizing pressure, the feeding rate were optimized. The nanoparticles physicochemical properties were evaluated before and after the spraying process. The lipid nanoparticles containing berberine were successfully prepared by the spray-drying method with a small particle size (around 230 nm), zeta potential (approximately −30 mV), and homogenous dispersion (polydispersity index just above 0.12). The optimized spray drying parameters were T_inlet/outlet of 110/65 °C, the blower of 0.58 m³/min, atomizing of 20 kPa, and feeding rate of 0.1 L/h. The resulted SLNs exhibited good physical stability and redispersion. The collected SLNs by spray-drying could be considered a potential drug delivery system to enhance berberine absorption into our human body.