Novel bioemulsomes for baicalin oral lymphatic targeting: development, optimization and pharmacokinetics

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to elaborate on ‘bioemulsomes,' novel biocompatible lipoprotein analogs for effective lymphatic transport of baicalin (BCL). Methods: BCL bioemulsomes were developed and optimized and in vitro physicochemical characterization performed. The bioavailability of BCL bioemulsomes compared with free BCL was investigated using in vivo pharmacokinetics studies. Finally, BCL lymphatic transport was assessed via cycloheximide blockade assay. Results: Optimized BCL-loaded nanoemulsomes showed promising in vitro characteristics that favor lymphatic targeting. In vivo pharmacokinetics showed a significant improvement in bioavailability over free BCL. A significant decrease in BCL emulsome absorption (33%) was exhibited after chemical blockage of the lymphatic pathway, confirming the lymphatic transport potential. Conclusion: Bioemulsomes could be a promising tool for bypassing BCL oral delivery hurdles as well as lymphatic transport, paving the way for potential treatment of lymphoma.