Nanoparticles of Lovastatin: Design, Optimization and in vivo Evaluation

Introduction: The aim of the study was to optimize the processing factors of precipitation-ultrasonication technique to prepare nano-sized particles of Lovastatin (LA) for enhancing its solubility, dissolution rate and in vivo bioavailability. Methods: LA nanoparticles (LANs) were prepared using precipitation-ultrasonication technique under different processing factors. LANs were characterized in terms of particle size, zeta potential and in vitro release. Stability studies at 4 degrees C, 25 degrees C and 40 degrees C were conducted for optimum formulation. In addition, the in vivo bioavailability of the optimum formula was studied in comparison to a marketed product in white master rats. Results: The optimized LAN formula (LAN15) had particle size (190 +/- 15), polydispersity index (0.626 +/- 0.11) and a zeta potential (-25 +/- 1.9 mV). The dissolution study of the nanosuspensions showed significant enhancement compared with pure drug. After 50 min, only 20.12 +/- 1.85% of LA was dissolved while 99.1 +/- 1.09% of LA was released from LAN15. Stability studies verified that nanosuspensions at 4 degrees C and 25 degrees C showed higher stability with no particle growth compared to the samples studied at 40 degrees C. In vivo studies conducted in rats verified that there was 1.45-fold enhancement of C-max of LAN15 as compared to marketed tablets. Conclusion: Nanoparticle prepared by ultrasonication-assisted precipitation method is a promising formula for enhancing the solubility and hence the bioavailability of Lovastatin.