Study: Micro- and Nanoparticles May Improve CBD Absorption Under the Tongue
- The study found that CBD delivery can be improved using specially designed microand nanoparticles for sublingual (under the tongue) administration.
- CBD-loaded particles were produced via electrospray technology, creating small, uniform particles with sizes ranging from 1,150 to 2,300 nanometers and high encapsulation efficiency (76.27% to 98.52%).
- The formulations significantly enhanced CBD's water solubility by several thousand times compared to pure CBD, and some released nearly all of the CBD within 60 minutes at pH 6.8.
- Strong mucoadhesion properties were observed, indicating these particles could effectively adhere under the tongue, facilitating better CBD absorption and delivery.
A new study published in the Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology found that cannabidiol (CBD) delivery may be improved through specially designed micro- and nanoparticles made for use under the tongue.
The study, conducted by researchers from Gazi University and Yozgat Bozok University, examined CBD-loaded particles produced through electrospray technology, a process that uses electrical forces to create small, uniform particles.
Researchers noted that CBD has drawn interest for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving and neuroprotective properties, but its medical use can be limited by poor water solubility and low oral bioavailability. To address those issues, the team developed CBD-loaded micro- and nanoparticles designed for sublingual delivery, which allows compounds to be absorbed through tissue under the tongue and enter the bloodstream more directly.
The particles were produced using hydrophilic polymers and solubilizers under optimized electrospray conditions. According to the study, scanning electron microscopy showed the particles were mostly spherical, with average sizes ranging from 1,150 to 2,300 nanometers.
Encapsulation efficiency ranged from 76.27% to 98.52%, indicating the process was effective at incorporating CBD into the particles. The formulations also significantly improved CBD’s water solubility, with some increasing solubility by several thousand times compared to pure CBD.
In release testing at pH 6.8, some formulations released nearly all of the CBD within 60 minutes. Mucoadhesion testing also found strong adhesion forces, suggesting the systems may be well-suited for sublingual use.
Researchers concluded that electrosprayed CBD micro- and nanoparticles improved solubility, release behavior and mucoadhesive properties, making them a potential approach for enhancing CBD delivery.