Preparation and evaluation of oxytocin SLNs as semi-finished product for nasal drops formulation

Background: Oxytocin is a peptide hormone that increases the secretion of milk, especially after normal delivery. Due to the properties of this peptide hormone, it seems that changing the route of use and changing the release pattern can create a longer duration of action of the drug. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a candidate to achieve these goals, which can be used as a non-invasive method with the possibility of induction of postpartum breastfeeding. In this study, we tried to design new drug delivery system using nanotechnology to change route of administration and prolong the administration intervals in order to induction of milk secretion especially among mothers with Cesarean section. Materials and methods: In this study, different SLNs were designed by changing many variables and all designed SLNs were evaluated in vitro. The mean particle size, zeta potential, loaded drug value, and drug release pattern were evaluated. Nanoparticles were freeze dried to increase stability. Results: The amount of drug loaded in the selected nanoparticles was reported to be 82%. The study of drug release showed that after 72 hours, the rate of drug release reaches 80%. Conclusion: Based on results, loaded peptide value, and drug release pattern was in a reasonable quantity. The optimum SLNs were freeze dried to increase the stability. The particles could be suitable candidate for preparing nasal drop of oxytocin to achieve the desired aims of the study.