In vitro Evaluation of Paliperidone Palmitate Loaded Cubosomes Effective for Nasal-to-Brain Delivery

Introduction: This work aimed to develop chitosan-coated cubosomal nanoparticles intended for nose-to-brain delivery of paliper-idone palmitate. They were compared with standard and cationic cubosomal nanoparticles. This comparison relies on numerous classical in vitro tests and powder deposition within a 3D-printed nasal cast. Methods: Cubosomal nanoparticles were prepared by a Bottom-up method followed by a spray drying process. We evaluated their particle size, polydispersity index, zeta-potential, encapsulation efficiency, drug loading, mucoaffinity properties and morphology. The RPMI 2650 cell line was used to assess the cytotoxicity and cellular permeation. An in vitro deposition test within a nasal cast completed these measurements. Results: The selected chitosan-coated cubosomal nanoparticles loaded with paliperidone palmitate had a size of 305.7 +/- 22.54 nm, their polydispersity index was 0.166 +/- 0.022 and their zeta potential was +42.4 +/- 0.2 mV. This formulation had a drug loading of 70% and an encapsulation efficiency of 99.7 +/- 0.1%. Its affinity with mucins was characterized by a Delta ZP of 20.93 +/- 0.31. Its apparent permeability coefficient thought the RPMI 2650 cell line was 3.00E-05 +/- 0.24E-05 cm/s. After instillation in a 3D-printed nasal cast, the fraction of the injected powder deposited in the olfactory region reached 51.47 +/- 9.30% in the right nostril and 41.20 +/- 4.59% in the left nostril, respectively. Conclusion: The chitosan coated cubosomal formulation seems to be the most promising formulation for nose-to-brain delivery. Indeed, it has a high mucoaffinity and a significantly higher apparent permeability coefficient than the two other formulations. Finally, it reaches well the olfactory region.