Solidified reverse micellar solution for nutraceutical solid lipid tablets
Innovative SRMS-based solid lipid tablets for controlled release of hydrophilic micronutrients like ferrous sulfate and vitamin C, offering improved bioavailability and stability over existing products.
Overview
The solidified reverse micellar solution (SRMS) represents a breakthrough in nutraceutical tablet design, enabling the controlled release of hydrophilic micronutrients such as ferrous sulfate and vitamin C. This technology aims to enhance bioavailability and stability, overcoming common issues like unpleasant taste and gastrointestinal side effects associated with traditional iron supplements. By encapsulating nutrients in SRMS-based solid lipid tablets (SLTs), the solution provides a scalable and accurate method for nutraceutical development.
Technical specifications
The SRMS-based SLTs are composed of phospholipids and hard fats, designed to encapsulate a hydrophilic model micronutrient, ferrous sulfate, along with vitamin C. The formulation process involves casting and solidification, using a 50% phospholipid base, 300mg of ferrous sulfate, and 600mg of vitamin C. The resulting tablets are subjected to physicochemical and technical characterizations, stability tests, and in vivo pharmacokinetics studies to ensure their suitability for oral administration and to compare their sustained release properties with existing market brands.
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 3, this solution has undergone experimental validation to demonstrate its feasibility. The ongoing proof-of-concept study will further assess the formulation's applicability in real-world scenarios, with completion anticipated within six months.
About University of Nigeria
The University of Nigeria is a federal, multi‑campus public university with its main campus in Nsukka and additional sites in Enugu and Ituku‑Ozalla, anchored by an affiliated teaching hospital. Clinical infrastructure through the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital enables clinical research and translation, while an on‑campus innovation hub offers incubation and industry‑facing programming. Locations in Nsukka, Enugu, and Ituku‑Ozalla give companies access across southeastern Nigeria, with ICT facilities on the Enugu campus supporting joint testing and training. Research is backed by Nigerian federal mechanisms such as the Tertiary Education Trust Fund, alongside competitive international programs. An Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office guides IP protection, licensing, and commercialization.
Inquire about this partnering listing
Industry applications
delivered to your inbox.