Improved oral delivery of tilianin through lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles to enhance bioavailability

Tilianin (TIL) may prevent and treat myocardial ischemia reperfusion injuries. However, its oral administration is hampered by its low bioavailability. The present study aimed to formulate lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) as carriers for the sustained release and oral bioavailability enhancement of TIL in vitro and in vivo. A nanodrug delivery system of TIL-loaded LPHNs (TIL-LPHNs) was constructed. TIL-LPHNs were prepared via a self-assembly method, and their particle size, polymer dispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE) and morphology were investigated. In addition, pharmacokinetic studies were performed in vivo. The TIL-LPHN formulation produced a spherical, homogeneous, smooth surface and multi-lamellar structured nanoparticles. The particle size and distribution profile of TIL-LPHNs had a mean particle diameter of 54.6 ± 5.3 nm and PDI of 0.112 ± 0.017. The zeta potential was −33.4 ± 4.7 mV. The EE of TIL-LPHNs was 86.6 ± 3.6%, which was determined with the dialysis method. The TIL-LPHNs significantly enhanced the oral bioavailability of TIL with a 3.7-fold increase in the area under the concentration−time curve in comparison with the TIL solution. These findings support the potential use of LPHNs in improving the stability and bioavailability of TIL via oral administration.