Achievement

IGERT investigators have developed solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) for the delivery of Dexamethasone (DEX) to tumors. Studies have shown that DEX can be used to enhance the uptake of chemotherapeutic agents into tumors, thereby increasing their efficacy and decreasing their toxicity. However, this therapy is limited by the toxicities associated with systemic DEX delivery. Localizing delivery of DEX to tumors through the use of nanoparticles may enhance its potential for use as a chemotherapeutic adjuvant. Two SLN formulations have been developed that incorporate DEX-palmitate, a lipophilic ester prodrug of DEX. SLNs have been found to have a small size suitable for tumor targeting by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both formulations were demonstrated to have a high drug loading capacity of up to 30% w/w of the lipid used in the formulation.