CBD-Loaded Nanostructured\nLipid Carriers: Optimization,\nCharacterization, and Stability

Cannabidiol (CBD)\nhas demonstrated its potential to enhance\ndepression\ntreatment through various biological pathways. However, the application\npotential of CBD is significantly impeded by its polymorphic nature,\nlimited water solubility, and hepatic first-pass metabolism. To improve\nchemical stability and water solubility, nanostructured lipid carriers\nloaded with CBD (CBD-NLCs) were developed using a hot-melt emulsification\nmethod and optimized by response surface methodology (RSM). The process\nparameters were optimized using a four-factor and three-level Box–Behnken\nexperimental design consisting of 29 experiments. The CBD-NLCs were\nformulated and characterized, demonstrating desirable properties,\nincluding a mean particle size of 54.33 nm, a PDI value of 0.118,\na zeta potential of −29.7 mV, and an impressive encapsulation\nefficiency rate of 87.58%. The nanoparticles were found to possess\nan approximately spherical shape, as revealed by scanning and transmission\nelectron microscopy. The stability studies have demonstrated that\nCBD-NLCs effectively mitigated the photodegradation of CBD and exhibited\na stable behavior for 42 days when stored. The CBD-NLCs displayed\na biphasic release profile characterized by an initial burst release\n(over 50% of CBD released within 20 min) followed by a subsequent\ngradual and sustained release, aligned with first-order kinetics and\nFickian diffusion. These findings demonstrate the potential suitability\nof this formulation as a carrier for CBD in food fortification and\npharmaceutical applications.