OBJECTIVETo prepare quercetin nanostuctured lipid carriers (QT-NLC), and detect their physicochemical properties.

METHODQT-NLC was prepared by emulsification ultrasonic dispersion method, and the optimum prescription was screened out by orthogonal design. Transmission electron microscope was used to observe QT-NLC morphology. Granulometer was applied to determine zeta potential, particle size and distribution. DSC was adopted for phase analysis. Centrifugal ultra-filtration method was used to determine entrapment efficiency. Dialysis method was adopted to detect drug release in vitro of preparations.

RESULTQT-NLC prepared under optimum conditions was mostly spherical grains, with the average particle size of (175 +/- 25) nm, which were distributed evenly, and zeta potential was (-23 +/- 0.3) mV. DSC results indicated that the drug was dispersed in nano-particles in a non-crystalline state, with an entrapment efficiency of (95.43 +/- 0.23)% and a drug-loading capacity of (2.38 +/- 0.24)%. The in vitro drug release was 32.2% in 2 hours, which was followed by a sustained release.

CONCLUSIONEmulsification ultrasonic dispersion method is applicable for preparing QT-NLC, as nano-particles are distributed evenly, with good reliability. This processing technology is safe, reliable and highly reproducible.