IVERMECTIN LOADED SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES FOR OVARIAN CANCER TREATMENT: DEVELOPMENT, CHARACTERIZATION AND ENHANCED CYTOTOXIC ACTIVITY

Introduction: The ivermectin is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic drug from the avermectin family, has recently gained attention for its potential anticancer properties. This study focuses on the formulation development of ivermectin-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (Iv-SLNs) and evaluating release kinetics and nano-sized formulation effect in ovarian cancer cells.

Methods: The Iv-SLNs were formulated using Box-Behnken experimental design and characterized in terms of physicochemical properties (particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and entrapment efficiency), drug release profile, and release kinetics. The anticancer activity of Iv-SLNs was assessed in OVCAR-3 cells and compared to ivermectin in suspension form (Iv-SUSP).

Results: The Iv-SLN formulation was characterized by particle size (154.5 ± 41.3 nm), polydispersity index (0.204 ± 0.02), zeta potential (-17.4 ± 3.93 mV), and entrapment efficiency (81.34 ± 5.67%) respectively. Release kinetics indicated that Iv-SLNs act as a sustained release system and adhering to Higuchi kinetics (r² = 0.981). In-vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that Iv-SLNs exhibits enhanced anti-cancer effect on OVCAR-3 cells than ivermectin suspension (2.1-fold).

Conclusion: Nano drug delivery systems offer advantages such as biocompatibility, enhancing drug’s solubility, improving drug’s bioavailability, and targeted drug delivery, which may help overcome drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy. This study highlights Iv-SLNs as a promising nano-sized drug delivery system for ivermectin, and potentially enhancing its effectiveness in ovarian cancer therapy.