Development, optimization, and evaluation of a nanostructured lipid carrier of sesame oil loaded with miconazole for the treatment of oral candidiasis

Optimized Hesperidin-Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles with Tea Tree Oil for Enhanced Wound Healing: Formulation, Characterization, and Evaluation

Objectives: This study aimed to develop hesperidin solid lipid nanoparticles (HESP-SLNs) to enhance their stability, solubility, and sustained release for wound healing; further enhancement was achieved through prepared nanostructured lipid carriers (HESP-NLCs) using Tea Tree Oil (TTO) to explore their synergistic efficacy. Methods: A factorial design of 24 trials was established to evaluate the influence of lipid type (X1), lipid conc (%) (X2), surfactant type (X3), and sonication amplitude (%) (X4) of prepared HESP-SLNs on the particle size (nm) (Y1), polydispersibility index (Y2), zeta potential (Y3), and encapsulation efficiency (%) (Y4). The optimized HESP-SLNs formula was selected utilizing Design Expert® software version 13, which was additionally enhanced by preparing TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs. In vitro release, Raman spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy were carried out for both lipid nanoparticles. Cytotoxicity, in vivo wound-healing assessments, and skin irritancy tests were performed to evaluate the performance of TTO-incorporated HESP-NLCs compared to HESP-SLNs. Results: The optimized formula demonstrated PS (280 ± 1.35 nm), ZP (-39.4 ± 0.92 mV), PDI (0.239 ± 0.012), and EE% (88.2 ± 2.09%). NLCs enhanced Q6% release, (95.14%) vs. (79.69%), for SLNs and showed superior antimicrobial efficacy. Both lipid nanoparticles exhibited spherical morphology and compatibility between HESP and excipients. NLCs achieved the highest wound closure percentage, supported by histological analysis and inflammatory biomarker outcomes. Cytotoxicity evaluation showed 87% cell viability compared to untreated HSF cells, and the skin irritancy test confirmed the safety of NLCs. Conclusions: TTO-loaded HESP-NLCs are promising candidates exhibiting superior wound-healing capabilities, making them a potential therapeutic option for cutaneous wound management.

Improving antifungal lipid-based drug delivery against Candida: a review

INTRODUCTION

Fungal infections, particularly those caused by Candida spp. have increased in recent years. A primary contributor to this surge was the COVID-19 pandemic, where many hospitalized patients had secondary fungal infections. Additionally, the emergence of resistant and multi-resistant fungal strains has become increasingly problematic due to the limited therapeutic options available in antifungal treatments.

AREAS COVERED

This review presents a comprehensive analysis of recent studies focused on the development and characterization of lipid-based nanosystems as an emerging and promising therapeutic alternative. These systems have been evaluated for their potential to deliver antifungal agents specifically targeting resistant Candida spp. strains, offering a controlled and sustained release of drugs.

EXPERT OPINION

Lipid-based nanomaterials are promising tools for the controlled and sustained release of drugs, particularly in treating Candida spp. infections. Although substantial research has been dedicated to development of these nanomaterials, only a few have reached clinical application, such as liposomal amphotericin B, for example. Therefore, it is critical to push forward with advancements to bring these nanomedicines into clinical practice, where they can contribute meaningfully to mitigating the challenge of resistant and lethal fungal strains.

Advancements and Challenges of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Wound Healing Applications

The current treatments for wound healing still exhibit drawbacks due to limited availability at the action sites, susceptibility to degradation, and immediate drug release, all of which are detrimental in chronic conditions. Nano-modification strategies, offering various advantages that can enhance the physicochemical properties of drugs, have been employed in efforts to maximize the efficacy of wound healing medications. Nowadays, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) provide drug delivery capabilities that can safeguard active compounds from environmental influences and enable controlled release profiles. Consequently, NLCs are considered an alternative therapy to address the challenges encountered in wound treatment. This review delves into the application of NLCs in drug delivery for wound healing, encompassing discussions on their composition, preparation methods, and their impact on treatment effectiveness. The modification of drugs into the NLC model can be facilitated using relatively straightforward technologies such as pressure-based processes, emulsification techniques, solvent utilization methods, or phase inversion. Moreover, NLC production with minimal material compositions can accommodate both single and combination drug delivery. Through in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, it has been substantiated that NLCs can enhance the therapeutic potential of various drug types in wound healing treatments. NLCs enhance efficacy by reducing the active substance particle size, increasing solubility and bioavailability, and prolonging drug release, ensuring sustained dosage at the wound site for chronic wounds. In summary, NLCs represent an effective nanocarrier system for optimizing the bioavailability of active pharmacological ingredients in the context of wound healing.

Association of mucoadhesive polymeric matrices and liposomes for local delivery of miconazole: A new approach for the treatment of oral candidiasis

Since the local treatment of oral candidiasis usually requires long-term administration of the antifungal drug, an ideal dosage form should be able to maintain the drug release over an extended period, assuring an adequate concentration at the infection site. In this context, we have considered the possibility of a buccal delivery of miconazole nitrate (MN) by mucoadhesive polymeric matrices. The loading of the antifungal drug in a hydrophilic matrix was made possible by taking advantage of the amphiphilic nature of liposomes (LP). The MN-loaded LP were prepared by a thin film evaporation method followed by extrusion, while solid matrices were obtained by freeze-drying a suspension of the LP in a polymeric solution based on chitosan (CH), sodium hyaluronate (HYA), or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC). MN-loaded LP measured 284.7 ± 20.1 nm with homogeneous size distribution, adequate drug encapsulation efficiency (86.0 ± 3.3 %) and positive zeta potential (+47.4 ± 3.3). CH and HYA-based formulations almost completely inhibited C. albicans growth after 24 h, even if the HYA-based one released a higher amount of the drug. The CH-based matrix also provided the best mucoadhesive capacity and therefore represents the most promising candidate for the local treatment of oral candidiasis.

Xanthan-carrageenan film containing sesame seed oil: A nanocomposite pharmaceutical platform for trichomoniasis treatment

Trichomoniasis is a common sexually transmitted infection that poses significant complications for women. Challenges in treatment include adverse effects and resistance to standard antimicrobial agents. Given this context, a sesame seed oil nanoemulsion (SONE) was developed and showed anti-Trichomonas vaginalis activity. To facilitate the local application of SONE, a polysaccharide film was developed using xanthan gum (XG) and κ-carrageenan gum (CG). A blend of XG and CG (at 2 %, ratio 1:3) plasticized with glycerol produced a more promising film (XCF) than using the gums individually. The film containing SONE (SONE-XCF) was successfully obtained by replacing the aqueous solvent with SONE via solvent evaporation technique. The hydrophilic SONE-XCF exhibited homogeneity and suitable mechanical properties for vaginal application. Furthermore, SONE-XCF demonstrated mucoadhesive properties and high absorption capacity for excessive vaginal fluids produced in vaginitis. It also had a disintegration time of over 8 h, indicating long retention at the intended site of action. Hemolysis and chorioallantoic membrane tests confirmed the safety of the film. Therefore, SONE-XCF is a biocompatible film with a natural composition and inherent activity against T. vaginalis, possessing exceptional characteristics that make it appropriate for vaginal application, offering an interesting alternative for trichomoniasis treatment.

Utilization of a nanostructured lipid carrier encapsulating pitavastatin-Pinus densiflora oil for enhancing cytotoxicity against the gingival carcinoma HGF-1 cell line

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common epithelial tumor of the oral cavity. Gingival tumors, a unique type of OSCC, account for 10% of these malignant tumors. The antineoplastic properties of statins, including pitavastatin (PV), and the essential oil of the Pinus densiflora leaf (Pd oil) have been adequately reported. The goal of this investigation was to develop nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) containing PV combined with Pd oil and to determine their cytotoxicity against the cell line of human gingival fibroblasts (HGF-1). A central composite quadratic design was adopted to optimize the nanocarriers. The particle size and stability index of the nano-formulations were measured to evaluate various characteristics. TEM analysis, the entrapment efficiency, dissolution efficiency, and the cytotoxic efficiency of the optimized PV-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier drug delivery system (PV-Pd-NLCs) were evaluated. Then, the optimal PV-Pd-NLCs was incorporated into a Carbopol 940® gel base and tested for its rheological features and its properties of release and cell viability. The optimized NLCs had a particle size of 98 nm and a stability index of 89%. The gel containing optimum PV-Pd-NLCs had reasonable dissolution efficiency and acceptable rheological behavior and acquired the best cytotoxic activity against HGF-1 cell line among all the formulations developed for the study. The in vitro cell viability studies revealed a synergistic effect between PV and Pd oil in the treatment of gingival cancer. These findings illustrated that the gel containing PV-Pd-NLCs could be beneficial in the local treatment of gingival cancer.

Difference in immune responses to Candida albicans in two inbred strains of male rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the influence of strain differences in immune response on the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis in Dark Agouti (DA) and Albino Oxford (AO) inbred strains of rats.

DESIGN

Seventy male 8-weeks old DA and AO rats were inoculated with Candida albicans to induce three different experimental models of oral candidiasis, one immunocompetent and two immunocompromised models. The animals were sacrificed after 16 days from the beginning of the experiment followed by collecting the samples of the tongue dorsum and blood for histopathological (PAS and H&E staining), immunohistochemical, qRT-PCR, and oxidative stress analyses.

RESULTS

Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses revealed lower levels of epithelial colonization, epithelial damage, and inflammatory infiltration in DA compared to AO strain of rats. DA rats had fewer CD45, CD68, and CD3 positive cells but more HIS 48 positive cells than AO rats. The expressions of IL-1β, TNFα, IFN-γ, IL-10 and TGF-β1 were consistently higher in DA strain across all experimental models. However, the expressions of IL-4 and IL-17 differed inconsistently between DA and AO strain in various experimental models. Strain differences were observed in levels of prooxidative hydrogen peroxide and lipid peroxidation, with higher levels presented in AO rats compared to DA rats, while antioxidative parameters presented little yet inconsistent difference between strains.

CONCLUSION

DA strain of rats consistently presented lower susceptibility to oral infection with C. albicans compared to AO strain with robust Th1/Th17 immune response indicating the importance of the genetic background on the development of oral candidiasis.

Design, Development, Evaluation, and In Vivo Performance of Buccal Films Embedded with Paliperidone-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

The therapeutic effectiveness of paliperidone in the treatment of schizophrenia has been limited by its poor oral bioavailability; hence, an alternative route could be appropriate. This study investigates the feasibility of developing a buccal film impregnated with paliperidone-loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and assesses the potential to enhance its bioavailability. Box-Behnken-based design optimization of NLCs was performed by examining the particles' physical characteristics. The polymeric film was used to load optimized NLCs, which were then assessed for their pharmaceutical properties, permeability, and pharmacokinetics. The optimization outcomes indicated that selected formulation variables had a considerable (p < 0.05) impact on responses such as particle size, entrapment efficiency, and % drug release. Desired characteristics such as a negative charge, higher entrapment efficiency, and nanoparticles with ideal size distribution were shown by optimized NLC dispersions. The developed film demonstrated excellent physico-mechanical properties, appropriate texture, good drug excipient compatibility (chemically stable formulation), and amorphous drug nature. A sustained Weibull model drug release (p < 0.0005) and superior flux (~5-fold higher, p < 0.005) were seen in NLC-loaded film compared to plain-drug-loaded film. The pharmacokinetics profile in rabbits supports the goal of buccal therapy as evidenced by significantly higher AUC0-12 (p < 0.0001) and greater relative bioavailability (236%) than the control. These results support the conclusion that paliperidone-loaded NLC buccal film has the potential to be an alternate therapy for its effective administration in the treatment of schizophrenia.

Development of Miconazole-Loaded Microemulsions for Enhanced Topical Delivery and Non-Destructive Analysis by Near-Infrared Spectroscopy

The antifungal drug miconazole nitrate has a low solubility in water, leading to reduced therapeutic efficacy. To address this limitation, miconazole-loaded microemulsions were developed and assessed for topical skin delivery, prepared through spontaneous emulsification with oleic acid and water. The surfactant phase included a mixture of polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate (PSM) and various cosurfactants (ethanol, 2-(2-ethoxyethoxy) ethanol, or 2-propanol). The optimal miconazole-loaded microemulsion containing PSM and ethanol at a ratio of 1:1 showed a mean cumulative drug permeation of 87.6 ± 5.8 μg/cm² across pig skin. The formulation exhibited higher cumulative permeation, permeation flux, and drug deposition than conventional cream and significantly increased the in vitro inhibition of Candida albicans compared with cream (p < 0.05). Over the course of a 3-month study conducted at a temperature of 30 ± 2 °C, the microemulsion exhibited favorable physicochemical stability. This outcome signifies its potential suitability as a carrier for effectively administering miconazole through topical administration. Additionally, a non-destructive technique employing near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with a partial least-squares regression (PLSR) model was developed to quantitatively analyze microemulsions containing miconazole nitrate. This approach eliminates the need for sample preparation. The optimal PLSR model was derived by utilizing orthogonal signal correction pretreated data with one latent factor. This model exhibited a remarkable R² value of 0.9919 and a root mean square error of calibration of 0.0488. Consequently, this methodology holds potential for effectively monitoring the quantity of miconazole nitrate in various formulations, including both conventional and innovative ones.

Enhancement of in-vitro anti-oral cancer activities of silymarin using dispersion of nanostructured lipid carrier in mucoadhesive in-situ gel

Silymarin (SME) shows multiple therapeutic actions against several cancers, however, low aqueous solubility and poor bioavailability issues restrict its clinical use. In this study, SME was loaded in nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) and further incorporated in mucoadhesive in-situ gel (SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG) for localized treatment of oral cancer. Using a 3³ Box-Behnken design (BBD), an optimized SME-NLC formula was developed with the ratios of solid lipids, surfactant concentration, and sonication time as independent variables, while particle size (PS), polydispersity index (PDI), and % encapsulation efficiency (EE) as dependent variables, resulting in 315.5 ± 0.1 nm PS, 0.341 ± 0.01 PDI, and 71.05 ± 0.05 % EE. Structural studies confirmed the formation of SME-NLCs. SME-NLCs incorporated in-situ gel demonstrated a sustained release for SME, indicating enhanced retention on the buccal mucosal membrane. The in-situ gel containing SME-NLCs showed a marked decrease in IC₅₀ value (24.90 ± 0.45 µM) than SME-NLCs (28.40 ± 0.89 µM) and plain SME (36.60 ± 0.26 µM). The studies demonstrated that Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation potential and SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG induced apoptosis at Sub-G0 phase owing to higher penetration of SME-NLCs led to higher inhibition against human KB oral cancer cells. Therefore, SME-NLCs-Plx/CP-ISG can be the alternative to chemotherapy and surgery with site-specific delivery of SME to oral cancer patients.

TPGS decorated NLC shift gefitinib from portal absorption into lymphatic delivery: Intracellular trafficking, biodistribution and bioavailability studies

Lymphatic drug delivery (LDD) is an attractive option for the prevention and treatment of cancer metastasis. This study aims to develop TPGS decorated nanostructure lipid carrier gefitinib loaded (TPGS-NLC-GEF). Biocompatibility and cytotoxicity were studied using erythrocytes and A549 cell lines. Furthermore, cellular uptake of the prepared TPGS-NLC was studied using 5-carboxyfluorescein (5-CF). Pharmacokinetic, biodistribution, and chylomicron-block flow studies were performed using male Wister Albino rats to investigate the influence of TPGS-NLC on plasma concentration-time profile, organ deposition, and LDD of GEF. The present results indicated that the prepared TPGS-NLC and TPGS-NLC-GEF formulation had a particle size range of 268 and 288 nm with a negative zeta-potential value of - 29.3 and - 26.5 mV, respectively. The in-vitro release showed burst drug release followed by sustained release. In addition, the biosafety in the term of the hemocompatibility study showed that the prepared formulation was safe at the therapeutic level. Additionally, an in-vitro cytotoxicity study showed that the TPGS-NLC was able to enhance the activity of GEF against the A549 cell line. The cellular uptake study showed the ability of TPGS-NLC to enhance 5-CF internalization by 12.6-fold compared to the 5-CF solution. Furthermore, the in-vivo study showed that TPGS-NLC was able to enhance GEF bioavailability (1.5-fold) through lymphatic system which was confirmed via the indirect chylomicron-block flow method. The tissue distribution study showed the ability of lipid nanoparticles to enhance lung drug deposition by 5.8-fold compared to a GEF suspension. This study concluded that GEF-NLC-GEF is an encouraging approach for the treatment of metastatic lung cancer through lymphatic delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity.

Natural carriers: Recent advances in their use to improve the stability and bioaccessibility of food active compounds

In the last decades, the incorporation of bioactive compounds in food supplements aroused the attention of scientists. However, these ingredients often exhibit both low solubility and stability and their poor bioaccessibility within the gastrointestinal tract limits their effectiveness. To overcome these drawbacks, many carriers have been investigated for encapsulating nutraceuticals and enhancing their bioavailability. It is note that several different vegetable wall materials have been applied to build delivery systems. Considering their encapsulation mechanism, lipid and protein-based carriers display specific interaction patterns with bioactives, whereas polysaccharidic-based carriers can entrap them by creating porous highly stable networks. To maximize the encapsulation efficiency, mixed systems are very promising. Following the current goal of using natural and sustainable ingredients, only a limited number of studies about the isolation of new ingredients from agro-food waste are available. In this review, a comprehensive overview of the state of art in the development of innovative natural lipid-, protein- and polysaccharide-based plant carriers is presented, focusing on their application as food active compounds. Different aspects to be considered in the design of delivery systems are discussed, including the carrier structure and chemical features, the interaction between the encapsulating and the core material, and the parameters affecting bioactives entrapment.

Fabrication of nanostructured lipid carriers ocugel for enhancing Loratadine used in treatment of COVID-19 related symptoms: statistical optimization, in-vitro, ex-vivo, and in-vivo studies evaluation

Loratadine (LORA), is a topical antihistamine utilized in the treatment of ocular symptoms of COVID-19. The study aimed to develop a Loratadine Nanostructured Lipid Carriers Ocugel (LORA-NLCs Ocugel), enhance its solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and bioavailability. full-factorial design was established with 2⁴ trials to investigate the impact of several variables upon NLCs properties. LORA-NLCs were fabricated by using hot melt emulsification combined with high-speed stirring and ultrasonication methods. All obtained formulae were assessed in terms of percent of entrapment efficiency (EE%), size of the particle (PS), zeta potential (ZP), as well as in-vitro release. Via using Design Expert® software the optimum formula was selected, characterized using FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and stability studies. Gel-based of optimized LORA-NLCs was prepared using 4% HPMC k100m which was further evaluated in terms of physicochemical properties, Ex-vivo, and In-vivo studies. The optimized LORA-NLCs, comprising Compritol 888 ATO^®, Labrasol^®, and Span^® 60 showed EE% of 95.78 ± 0.67%, PS of 156.11 ± 0.54 nm, ZP of -40.10 ± 0.55 Mv, and Qh6% of 99.67 ± 1.09%, respectively. Additionally, it illustrated a spherical morphology and compatibility of LORA with other excipients. Consequently, gel-based on optimized LORA-NLCs showed pH (7.11 ± 0.52), drug content (98.62%± 1.31%), viscosity 2736 cp, and Q12% (90.49 ± 1.32%). LORA-NLCs and LORA-NLCs Ocugel exhibited higher ex-vivo trans-corneal penetrability compared with the aqueous drug dispersion. Confocal laser scanning showed valuable penetration of fluoro-labeled optimized formula and LORA-NLCs Ocugel through corneal. The optimized formula was subjected to an ocular irritation test (Draize Test) that showed the absence of any signs of inflammation in rabbits, and histological analysis showed no effect or damage to rabbit eyeballs. C_max and the AUC_0-24 were higher in LORA-NLCs Ocugel compared with pure Lora dispersion-loaded gel The research findings confirmed that NLCs could enhance solubility, trans-corneal penetrability, and the bioavailability of LORA.

Molecular Mapping of Antifungal Mechanisms Accessing Biomaterials and New Agents to Target Oral Candidiasis

Oral candidiasis has a high rate of development, especially in immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapies in hospitalized HIV and cancer patients are known to induce the poor management of adverse reactions, where local and systemic candidiasis become highly resistant to conventional antifungal therapy. The development of oral candidiasis is triggered by several mechanisms that determine oral epithelium imbalances, resulting in poor local defense and a delayed immune system response. As a result, pathogenic fungi colonies disseminate and form resistant biofilms, promoting serious challenges in initiating a proper therapeutic protocol. Hence, this study of the literature aimed to discuss possibilities and new trends through antifungal therapy for buccal drug administration. A large number of studies explored the antifungal activity of new agents or synergic components that may enhance the effect of classic drugs. It was of significant interest to find connections between smart biomaterials and their activity, to find molecular responses and mechanisms that can conquer the multidrug resistance of fungi strains, and to transpose them into a molecular map. Overall, attention is focused on the nanocolloids domain, nanoparticles, nanocomposite synthesis, and the design of polymeric platforms to satisfy sustained antifungal activity and high biocompatibility with the oral mucosa.

Antifungal Cationic Nanoemulsion Ferrying Miconazole Nitrate with Synergism to Control Fungal Infections: In Vitro, Ex Vivo, and In Vivo Evaluations

This study aimed to deliver a cationic nanoemulsion carrying miconazole nitrate (MCN) to control fungal infections using excipients for synergism. Peceol (oil) and labrasol (surfactant) were selected based on maximum solubility and zone of inhibition values against Candida albicans and Aspergillus niger. Optimized MCNE11 was evaluated [size, zeta potential, % entrapment efficiency (%EE), % transmittance, viscosity, refractive index, extrudability, polydispersity (PDI), morphology, and pH]. An in vitro drug release study was conducted for comparison between DS (drug suspension) and MNE11. In vitro hemolysis was studied at two different concentrations (0.625 and 2.5 μg/mL). Permeation profiles were generated using rat skin. A Draize test was conducted using rabbit to negate irritability issues. Finally, a stability test of MCNE11 was conducted for 12 months. The results showed that MCNE11 (cationic) was the most optimized in term of size, %EE, and PDI. The drug release from MCNE11 was higher compared to DS but comparable to MNE11 (anionic), suggesting no impact of the imposed cationic charge on the release behavior. Moreover, permeation parameters of MCNE11 were significantly (p < 0.05) greater than MNE11, which may be attributed to the combined impact of size (low), surfactant (for reversible changes), and electrostatic interaction (nanoglobules-skin surface). Thus, stable MCN11 possessing high %EE (89.8%), low size (145 nm), maximum flux (5.7 ± 0.1 μg/cm²/h), high drug deposition (932.7 ± 41.6 μg/cm²), optimal viscosity (44.17 ± 0.8 cP), low PDI (0.21), optimal zeta potential (+28.1 mV), and low hemolysis can be promising alternatives to conventional cream to control resistant and recurring types of fungal infections.

Design, Characterization, and In Vitro Assays on Muscle Cells of Endocannabinoid-like Molecule Loaded Lipid Nanoparticles for a Therapeutic Anti-Inflammatory Approach to Sarcopenia

Inflammatory processes play a key role in the pathogenesis of sarcopenia owing to their effects on the balance between muscle protein breakdown and synthesis. Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), an endocannabinoid-like molecule, has been well documented for its anti-inflammatory properties, suggesting its possible beneficial use to counteract sarcopenia. The promising therapeutic effects of PEA are, however, impaired by its poor bioavailability. In order to overcome this limitation, the present study focused on the encapsulation of PEA in solid lipid nanoparticles (PEA-SLNs) in a perspective of a systemic administration. PEA-SLNs were characterized for their physico-chemical properties as well as cytotoxicity and cell internalization capacity on C2C12 myoblast cells. Their size was approximately 250 nm and the encapsulation efficiency reached 90%. Differential scanning calorimetry analyses demonstrated the amorphous state of PEA in the inner SLN matrix, which improved PEA dissolution, as observed in the in vitro assays. Despite the high internalization capacity observed with the flow cytometer (values between 85 and 94% after 14 h of incubation), the Nile Red labeled PEA-SLNs showed practically no toxicity towards myoblasts. Confocal analysis showed the presence of SLNs in the cytoplasm and not in the nucleus. These results suggest the potentiality provided by PEA-SLNs to obtain an innovative and side-effect-free tool in the medical treatment of sarcopenia.