OPTIMIZATION OF NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS ENCAPSULATING Cannabis sativa EXTRACT USING A 2⁴ FACTORIAL DESIGN

Pain is a complex clinical condition resulting from the interaction of multiple biological, psychological and social factors. It is recognized as a major public health challenge, due to its significant impact on the quality of life. In this context, phytocannabinoids derived from Cannabis sativa L., particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), have attracted considerable attention regarding its antinoceptive properties. However, its therapeutic application remains limited by factors such as: low bioavailability, photosensitivity and high hydrophobicity. Therefore, this work developed optimized nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) loaded with Cannabis sativa extract through factorial design (24), for subsequent incorporation into different gels intended for pain management. The nanoformulations were prepared by an emulsification-ultrasonication method. The effects of total lipid concentration, solid lipid:liquid lipid ratio, Cannabis extract and surfactant concentrations on the biophysical properties (size, PDI and Zeta potential) were evaluated. The most robust formulation was monitored by the physicochemical stability study for 150 days (25 °C). The optimized formulations showed particle size around 248 nm, PDI close to 0.3 and Zeta potential of -34 mV, even after 5 months of storage. Such system is able to be processed as hydrogels and will be evaluated regarding its safety and efficacy on zebrafish model and Tail Flick assay in mice, respectively.
This study was financed in part by the Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – Brasil (CAPES) – Finance Code 001.