Achievement

IGERT investigators are developing solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the delivery of dexamethasone to tumors. Pre-clinical and clinical trials suggest that treatment with dexamethasone (Dex) can lower the interstitial fluid pressure of tumors, allowing for enhanced uptake of subsequently administered chemotherapeutic agents. To reduce the side effects associated with systemic administration of Dex, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) containing dexamethasone palmitate (Dex-P) were prepared as a means of achieving tumor-targeted drug delivery. Results indicate that Dex-P loaded SLNs may possess the physicochemical properties and stability desirable for further development as a tumor-targeted drug delivery system. This research has resulted in two collaborative publications between Chemical Engineering and the College of Pharmacy.