Physical and chemical characteristics of meloxicam from nanostructured lipid carriers system using some concentration ratios of monostearin and alpha-tocopherol acetate lipid matrix

Objective: The objective of this research is to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) of meloxicam (MLX) for topical application using monostearin and alpha-tocopherol as lipid matrix. Methods: MLX-NLC was prepared by high-shear homogenization, and it was characterized for organoleptic, pH, viscosity, particle size and size distribution, zeta potential, crystallinity, morphology, and entrapment efficiency. The six different ratios of solid and liquid lipid matrix were 70:30, 75:25, 80:20, 85:15, 90:10, and 95:5, respectively. Results: The pH value of all formulas met the pH range of topical dosage at 4.5-6.5. Viscosity test showed that a trend toward the decrease in viscosity with the increase in alpha-tocopherol content was observed. The results of particle size test proved that all six NLC system formulas have <1000 nm particle size with a quite narrow particle size distribution. Scanning electron microscope revealed nearly spherical shape NLC with negligible effect ratios of solid and liquid lipid on the particle morphology. The X-ray diffraction result showed the decreasing of peaks intensity of MLX-NLC system. It showed that MLX in NLC system is amorphous. The result showed that the increasing concentration of liquid lipid in NLC system caused the rising entrapment efficiency of MLX. Conclusion: The result of this research indicates that the concentration ratio of monostearin and alpha-tocopherol acetate affects the physical and chemical characteristics of NLC system.