Formulation and characterization of ethambutol loaded nanostructured lipid carrier

Ethambutol hydrocloride (EMB) is an antimycobacterial drug, which is extensively used for the treatment of tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in combination with other antimycobacterial drugs. In order to overcome the EMB side effects and cellular toxicity, we aimed to formulate EMB into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). For this purpose, EMB molecules were successfully loaded into NLCs using hot homogenization followed by ultrasonication technique. The particle size and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of EMB-loaded NLCs were below 100 nm and >98%, respectively. The low toxicity of EMB-loaded NLCs was confirmed using MTT assay. The advantages of the fabricated EMBloaded NLCs are small particle size, high levels of drug encapsulation, ease of manufacturing with mild preparation conditions, and desirable biocompatibility.