Patent Description:
The present disclosure is also directed to compositions that comprise such nanoparticles and to a method of their production.

Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative bacteria that infect one-half of the World population. This bacterium is the major etiological factor in chronic active gastritis, gastric ulcers, and gastric cancer [<NUM>-<NUM>].

The currently recommended treatment includes a combination of two antibiotics, commonly clarithromycin plus amoxicillin or metronidazole, and a protonpump inhibitor [<NUM>]. However, this therapy fails in <NUM>% of patients for several reasons, but principally due to poor patient compliance and bacteria resistance to the antibiotics used [<NUM>]. More complex regimens, including the use of non-bismuth or bismuth-containing quadruple therapies, were also recommended as a second-line option [<NUM>], but their complexity potentiates patient non-compliance and bacterial resistance, leading to treatment failure. The exacerbated increase of antibiotic resistance has generated alarming impact and new antibiotic-free strategies are necessary. <NPL>, discloses the use of chitosan for the treatment of H. pylori infections.

The application of nanotechnology, especially, the use of nanoparticles as drug nanocarriers has generated a significant impact in medicine. The increasing interest by lipid nanocarriers is associated with their higher biocompatibility and lower toxicity compared to polymeric nanoparticles, as well as lower production cost and scalability [<NUM>-<NUM>]. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are lipid nanoparticles specifically designed and patented as delivery systems for pharmaceutical, cosmetic and/or alimentary active ingredients [<NUM>]. They are characterized by a solid lipid core consisting of a mixture of solid and liquid lipids. The resulting particles matrix displays a melting depression when compared with the original solid lipid but is still solid at body temperature [<NUM>, <NUM>]. NLCs can be prepared using a wide variety of lipids including fatty acids, glyceride mixtures or waxes, stabilized with selected biocompatible surfactants (non-ionic or ionic). Moreover, most of NLCs ingredients are safe and under the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) status issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) [<NUM>, <NUM>]. Using spatially different lipids induces many imperfections in the crystal and if a proper amount of liquid lipid is mixed with the solid lipid, a phase separation and the formation of oily nanocompartments within the solid lipid matrix can occur [<NUM>].

This invention describes the specific bactericidal activity of NLCs without any active ingredient (unloaded-NLC), prepared using glyceryl palmitostearate as solid lipid, caprylic/capric triglyceride as liquid lipid and polysorbate <NUM> as a surfactant against Helicobacter pylori. This effect was not observed against other bacteria, such as the Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Lactobacillus casei and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. The behavior of unloaded-NLCs against H. pylori was not expected, since results described in the literature, that only uses unloaded-NLCs as controls of the drug-loaded NLCs, always demonstrated their null or very low activity against other bacteria [<NUM>, <NUM>]. Moreover, the utilization of NLCs, with and without drugs, for the treatment of H. pylori gastric infection was not previously reported.

The present disclosure relates to new nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs - particles of imperfect crystal type, solid amorphous type (non-crystalline matrix) or multiple type) that are effective treatment for use in the treatment of disease induced by Helicobacter pylori. The present disclosure is also directed to compositions and to a method of their production. The application also describes compositions in which these compounds are used.

The present disclosure relates to the bactericidal activity of nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs - particles of imperfect crystal type, solid amorphous type (non-crystalline matrix) or multiple type), without carrying pharmacological agents, the characterization of said antibacterial NLCs, and their use as an agent to kill Helicobacter pylori.

Surprisingly these NLCs do not affect other bacteria, such Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Moreover, these NLCs are not cytotoxic to gastric cells at bactericidal concentrations. This invention opens new perspectives for the development of an antibiotic-free treatment against H. pylori gastric infection.

An aspect of the present disclosure is relate to a nanostructured lipid particle for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease induced by Helicobacter pylori comprising.

The nanostructured lipid particle comprises particles of imperfect crystal type, a solid amorphous type (non-crystalline matrix) or multiple type, and wherein said nanoparticles are capable of killing Helicobacter pylori.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid may comprises.

In an embodiment, the particles can be produced by mixture of several lipids forming a nanoemulsion, using techniques that may include the use of hot homogenization and ultrasonication.

In an embodiment, the particles may comprise diameters is between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, as determined by their hydrodynamic size using dynamic light scattering, at <NUM>.

In an example, the nanostructured lipid particle may be use in the treatment or prevention of peptic ulcer, gastrite, gastric neoplasia; in particular intestinal metaplasia or gastric cancer.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid can be stored during <NUM> month, in aqueous suspension at <NUM>° - <NUM>.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an oral composition for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease induced by Helicobacter pylori comprising the nanostructured lipid particle in the present disclosure in a therapeutically effective amount. In particular an oral composition.

In an embodiment, the oral composition may further comprise at least one therapeutically active substance selected from the group of consisting of a gastrointestinal protectant or an antibiotic, or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the gastrointestinal protectants is a proton pump inhibitors, in particular an imidazole compound.

In an embodiment, the antibiotic is selected from a group consisting of: amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline, or mixtures thereof.

In an embodiment, the composition may further comprise gastric retentive polymer. Preferably the gastric retentive polymer is selected from a list consisting of polyalkylene oxides, such as polyethylene glycols, particularly high molecular weight polyethylene glycols; cellulose polymers and their derivatives including, but not limited to, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, microcrystalline cellulose; polysaccharides and their derivatives; chitosan; poly(vinyl alcohol); xanthan gum; maleic anhydride copolymers; poly(vinyl pyrrolidone); starch and starch-based polymers; maltodextrins; poly (<NUM>-ethyl-<NUM>-oxazoline); poly(ethyleneimine); polyurethane; hydrogels; crosslinked polyacrylic acids, or combinations thereof; in particular chitosan.

An aspect of the present disclosure is relate to a nanostructured lipid particle comprising :particles of imperfect crystal type, a solid amorphous type (non-crystalline matrix) or multiple type, and wherein said nanoparticles are capable of killing Helicobacter pylori.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure wherein the particles can be produced by mixture of several lipids forming a nanoemulsion, using techniques that may include the use of hot homogenization and ultrasonication.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure, wherein the particles present with diameters between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, preferably between <NUM> and <NUM> nanometers, as determined by their hydrodynamic size using dynamic light scattering, at <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure wherein the particle is formed by mixtures of different lipids, selected from solid and liquid lipids and mixed with a surfactant to produce a nanoemulsion. The lipids are glyceryl palmitostearate, and Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride and, the surfactant is polysorbate <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure, wherein the therapeutically effective amount of Helicobacter pylori infection is administrated orally.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure can be stored during <NUM> month, in aqueous suspension at <NUM> ° and <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure wherein the therapeutically effective amount against Helicobacter pylori does not affect other bacteria, particularly Lactobacillus casei, Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli.

In an embodiment, the nanostructured lipid particle of the present disclosure, in combination with one or more therapeutically active substance(s) selected from the group of gastrointestinal protectants (particularly proton pump inhibitors) and antibiotics (particularly amoxicillin, clarithromycin, metronidazole, tetracycline) used in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an oral formulation containing the nanostructured lipid particles of the present disclosure, wherein the dosage form can be administrated in any formulation adapted for stomach delivery, particularly incorporated/combined with gastric retentive polymers such as chitosan or other pharmaceutical compounds able to release the particles in the stomach.

The following figures provide preferred embodiments for illustrating the description and should not be seen as limiting the scope of invention.

This invention describes the unexpected specific bactericidal effect of unloaded-NLCs (Nanostructured Lipid Carriers) on H. pylori without affecting other bacteria, such as the Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis and Lactobacillus casei, and the Gram-negative Escherichia coli. NLCs were developed to be used in the preparation of pharmaceutical, cosmetics and/or alimentary compositions as delivery systems for an active ingredient. Therefore, their bactericidal effect per sees (without any active ingredient/drug) was not expected and was not previously described.

In an embodiment, nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) were produced using <NUM> of glyceryl palmitostearate (Gattefosé) as solid lipid, <NUM> of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Acofarma) as liquid lipid and <NUM> of polysorbate <NUM> (Merck) as a surfactant. NLCs were produced using hot homogenization and ultrasonication technique. Briefly, lipids (solid and liquid) and surfactant were weighted together and heated at a temperature above the solid lipid melting point to promote their mixture. A nanoemulsion was obtained after adding to the lipid mixture, Milli-Q water preheated above the solid lipid melting point under high speed stirring (<NUM> rpm, <NUM>) using an ultra-turrax T25 (Janke and Kunkel IKA-Labortechnik). This microemulsion was homogenized using a sonicator (Vibra-Cell model VCX <NUM> equipped with a VC <NUM> probe, Sonics and Materials Inc. , Newtown), with tip diameter ¼" (<NUM>), at <NUM>% amplitude for <NUM> minutes. Nanoemulsion was cooled to room temperature under gentle magnetic stirring allowing the inner phase of NLCs to solidify forming nanoparticles dispersed in the aqueous phase without aggregates.

In an embodiment, the hydrodynamic size distribution and surface charge (ξ-potential) of NLCs were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) using the Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS. Clear disposable folded capillary cells (DTS1070) from Malvern were used for all samples. Samples were diluted (<NUM>:<NUM>) with Milli-Q water conducted at a backscattering angle of <NUM>° at <NUM>. All measurements were performed in triplicate.

In an embodiment, the morphology of NLC was observed by Cryo-Scanning Electron Microscopy (CryoSEM) using a JEOL JSM-6301F, an Oxford Instruments INCA Energy <NUM> and a Gatan Alto <NUM>. A drop of nanoparticles was placed on a grid, rapidly cooled in a liquid nitrogen slush (-<NUM>), and transferred under vacuum to the cold stage of the preparation chamber. The sample was fractured, sublimated for <NUM> seconds min at -<NUM> to reveal greater detail, and coated with a gold-palladium alloy by sputtering for <NUM> seconds. Finally, the sample was then transferred under vacuum into the CryoSEM chamber where they were observed at -<NUM>.

In an embodiment, NLCs were storage in Milli-Q water during <NUM> months at two different temperatures: <NUM> and <NUM>. Nanoparticles stability was evaluated by periodic measurements of their size and surface charge using the Malvern Zetasizer Nano ZS, as described above. All measurements were performed in triplicate.

In an embodiment, microorganisms used were the following: Helicobacter pylori J99 (H. pylori; obtained from the Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Umea University, Sweden [<NUM>]), mouse-adapted H. pylori strain SS1 (obtained from Unité de Pathogenèse de Helicobacter, Institute Pasteur, France), Lactobacillus casei-<NUM> (Chr. Hansen, Hørsholm Denmark) (L. casei), Staphylococcus epidermis ATCC <NUM> (S. epidermidis), Staphylococcus aureus ATCC <NUM> (methicillin resistant) (S. aureus MRSA) and Escherichia coli ATCC <NUM> (E. Each bacterium was grown on specific solid medium plates and overnight on a liquid medium, as described in Table <NUM>.

In an embodiment, bacteria were pre-cultured on specific liquid medium (Table1) overnight at <NUM> and <NUM> rpm. After washing with phosphate buffered saline (PBS 1x, pH <NUM>), bacteria were adjusted to approximately <NUM>×<NUM><NUM> CFU/mL in Müeller-Hinton broth (MHB, Merck Millipore) supplemented with <NUM>% of FBS. pylori was also tested in BB+<NUM>% FBS. Different NLC concentrations (<NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% and <NUM>% v/v) were added to bacteria culture and they're incubated during <NUM>, at <NUM>, <NUM> rpm, and in the case of H. pylori under microaerophilic conditions. At different time-points (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>,<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), a <NUM>µL sample of each bacterial culture was isolated, serially diluted, plated on solid medium plates (Table <NUM>) and incubated at <NUM> for <NUM> days for H. pylori, <NUM> days for L. casei and <NUM> for the other bacteria. The number of viable bacteria per mL was determined by colonies forming unit (CFU) counting.

In an embodiment, Morphological changes of H. pylori J99 were studied by SEM, analyzing the effect of unloaded-NLCs on bacteria. Bacteria were incubated with unloaded-NLC (<NUM>% v/v) for <NUM> and <NUM> as previously described using BB medium supplemented with <NUM>%FBS. After incubation, samples were washed in phosphate buffered saline (PBS 1x, pH <NUM>) and fixed in <NUM>% glutaraldehyde (Merck) in <NUM> sodium cacodylate buffer (Merck) for <NUM> at room temperature. Fixed bacteria adhered on glass coverslips in a <NUM>-well suspension plate during <NUM> at room temperature. Then samples were dehydrated with an increasing ethanol/water gradient (<NUM>% v/v to <NUM>% v/v) and subjected to critical point drying (CPD <NUM>, Poloran). Finally, the samples were sputter-coated with gold/palladium film over <NUM>. pylori samples were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM; JEOL JSM-6310F), at magnification <NUM> and 60000x, at the CEMUP (Centro de Materiais da Universidade do Porto).

In an embodiment, the effect of unloaded-NLCs on the structure of H. pylori J99 was also analyzed by TEM. Incubation time and concentrations were similar as described for SEM analysis. After incubation, bacteria suspension was centrifuged (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the supernatant removed. The bacterial pellet was fixed by resuspending in a mixture of <NUM>% w/v of paraformaldehyde (Merck) with <NUM>% v/v glutaraldehyde (Electron Microscopy Sciences) in <NUM> sodium cacodylate buffer (Merck) (pH <NUM>). Samples were then washed with sodium cacodylate buffer, centrifuged and bacterial pellet post-fixed in <NUM>% osmium tetroxide (Electron Microscopy Sciences) in sodium cacodylate buffer was embedded in a HistoGel (Thermo Scientific) and processed in Epon resin (Electron Microscopy Sciences). Ultrathin sections of <NUM> thickness were performed on a Ultramicrotome (RMC PowerTome PC model), by using diamond knives (Diatome). Sections were mounted on formvar-coated nickel grids, stained with uranyl acetate and lead citrate (Delta Microscopies) and examined using TEM (JEOL JEM <NUM> transmission electron microscope) equipped with a CCD digital camera Orious 1100W at i3S (Instituto de Investigaçao e Inovação em Saúde da Universidade do Porto).

In an embodiment, was measure the effect of nanostructured lipid carriers on gastric cells line, gastric carcinoma cell line MKN45 was grown in RPMI <NUM> with Glutamax and HEPES (Gibco) supplemented with <NUM>% inactivated FBS (Gibco) and <NUM>% penicillin-streptomycin (Gibco) at <NUM> under <NUM>% CO2 in humidified air. The medium was changed every two days. For subculturing, cells were trypsinized and counted in a Neubauer chamber diluted (<NUM>:<NUM>) in a Trypan Blue solution (<NUM>% w/v) (Sigma-Aldrich). Cells were expanded in <NUM> cm2 T-flasks with appropriate aliquots of the cell suspension with a sub-cultivation ratio of <NUM>:<NUM>. NLC effect on MKN45 gastric cells was evaluated using direct contact assay. MKN45 cells were seeded in a <NUM>-well plate (<NUM>×<NUM> cell per well) in RPMI <NUM> with Glutamax and HEPES supplemented with <NUM>% inactivated FBS and <NUM>% PenStrep, at <NUM> and under <NUM>% CO2 in humidified air, during <NUM>. Then, the culture medium was changed and NLCs were added with different concentrations (<NUM>, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>%, <NUM>% v/v). Well-plate was incubated at <NUM> and under <NUM>% CO2 in humidified air, during <NUM>. Cells in TritonTM X-<NUM> (<NUM>% w/v) (Sigma-Aldrich) and cells in fresh culture medium were used as a control, in order to normalize the results. After <NUM>, the supernatant was removed (transferred to <NUM>-well plates and stored for cytotoxicity assay) and <NUM> of <NUM>/mL of Thiazolyl Blue Tetrazolium Bromide (MTT, <NUM>%, Sigma-Aldrich) in PBS solution was added to the cultures, diluted to a final concentration of <NUM>/L in culture medium and incubated for <NUM> at <NUM> in the dark. Then, MTT solution was discarded and <NUM> of DMSO was added, to solubilize the formazan crystals formed by MTT reaction. The plate was shaken for <NUM>, at room temperature, under light protection and then, the optical density was measured at <NUM> and <NUM> using a microplate reader (Synergy™ H Multi-mode Microplate Reader, BioTek Instruments). MTT assay evaluates the activity of cellular oxidoreductase enzymes inside mitochondria by converting the MTT tetrazolium dye into its insoluble formazan (purple) that is directly proportional to the number of viable cells. The percentage of cell viability was calculated according to the following equation: <MAT>.

In an embodiment, Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is released to the cell culture medium when the cytoplasmic membrane is damaged. Consequently, its quantification allows having an assessment of cell death. Hence, the <NUM>-well plates containing the cell culture supernatant collected for the MTT assay were centrifuged (<NUM>, <NUM> at room temperature). Carefully, without disturbing the pellet, 100µl of the sample were transferred to the <NUM>-well plate and <NUM>µl of the LDH Cytotoxicity Detection Kit (Takara Bio Inc) were added. After <NUM> of incubation, at room temperature and protected from light, the absorbance was measured at <NUM> and <NUM> using the microplate reader. The percentage of cytotoxicity was calculated according to the following equation: <MAT>.

In an embodiment, Data are reported as means ± standard deviation. Data from different groups were compared statistically using non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Analyses were performed with a significance level of <NUM> using Graph Pad Prism <NUM> (Graph-Pad Software).

In an embodiment, NLCs were synthesized using a modified hot homogenization technique with no use of organic solvents [<NUM>]. Results obtained by DLS demonstrated that NLCs have a homogenous size distribution with a mean diameter of <NUM> ± <NUM> (<FIG>). Polydispersion index was around <NUM> suggesting low size variability (monodisperse distribution) and no visible aggregation that was confirmed by Cryo-SEM. However, when observed by Cryo-SEM (<FIG>), NLCs are slightly smaller, which could be related to the sublimation process used in this technique to remove the surface water that can also remove the water present in the nanoparticle matrix causing particle shrinkage. NLCs size can be important for H. pylori treatment since it was described that particles with sizes between <NUM> and <NUM> are able to infiltrate gastric cell-cell junctions and interact locally with H. pylori infection sites in intercellular spaces [<NUM>].

In an embodiment, ξ-potential is an important factor in the analysis of colloidal dispersions stability. <FIG> also shows that NLCs have a ξ-potential around -28mV. According to literature, colloidal dispersions are stable when they are strongly charged (|<NUM> mV|) (i.e., aggregation is avoided) [<NUM>], whereas ξ-potential values in the range of -<NUM><<NUM><+10mV are considered neutral [<NUM>]. Since ξ-potential is near -30mV, these NLCs can be considered physically stable.

In an embodiment, NLCs are stable during storage in aqueous suspension for at least <NUM> moth at <NUM>° and <NUM> in terms of size and charge (<FIG>). However, at <NUM> and after <NUM> month of storage, there is a slight increase of the ξ-potential from -<NUM> to - <NUM> mV. Nevertheless, these negative charges are enough to maintain their physical stability and avoid nanoparticles aggregation.

In an embodiment, NLC bactericidal activity was evaluated following bacteria growth during <NUM> in the presence of different NLC concentrations (<FIG>) using Müller-Hinton Broth (MHB), which is the recommended medium for the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration according to the guidelines proposed by two recognized organizations: CLSI (Clinical & Laboratory Standards Institute) and EUCAST (European Society of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases) [<NUM>]. However, since H. pylori is a fastidious microorganism and requires a complex nutrient-rich growth media, MHB had to be supplemented with <NUM>% of fetal bovine serum (FBS). This supplement may act as an additional source of nutrient and also protect against the toxic effects of long-chain fatty acids [<NUM>]. Nevertheless, for comparison and to demonstrate the specific bactericidal activity of NLCs to H. pylori, this FBS-supplemented medium was also used for bactericidal assays performed with other bacteria.

In an embodiment, Minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) was defined as the minimal drug concentration to kill <NUM>% (><NUM> logs) bacteria in <NUM> of incubation. <FIG> shows that NLCs are bactericidal against H. pylori at all concentrations used, since after <NUM> in the presence of NLCs, there are no live bacteria. For the highest concentration tested (<NUM>% v/v), H. pylori was killed after <NUM> of incubation time. Nonetheless, an inhibitory effect of <NUM>% (> 1log) was detected after <NUM> of incubation with this NLC concentration.

In an embodiment, NLC bactericidal effect was not detected on Lactobacillus casei-<NUM> (<FIG>), Gram-positive rod-shaped and nonpathogenic bacteria found on the human gut microbiota. This bacterium has an importance for gut microbiota which enhances the integrity of the intestinal barrier, decrease translocation of bacteria across the intestinal mucosa and disease phenotypes such as gastrointestinal infections [<NUM>, <NUM>]. This specific bactericidal activity of unloaded-NLCs against H. pylori (without affecting L. casei) opens new routes for the treatment of H. pylori infection without affecting gut microbiota.

In an embodiment, NLCs were also tested on other Gram-positive cocci bacteria, Staphylococcus epidermidis (<FIG>) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) (<FIG>). No bactericidal effect was observed for both bacteria on the concentrations used. However, the higher NLCs concentration (<NUM>% v/v) had an inhibitory effect on MRSA growth. Other bacterium tested was Escherichia coli, a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium, is the most prevalent commensal inhabitant of the human intestinal tract and lives in a mutually beneficial association with hosts [<NUM>, <NUM>]. coli is not usually pathogenic. NLC bactericidal effect was not detected on E. coli (<FIG>); therefore, unloaded-NLCs can be used without to affect the normal flora of the gut.

In an embodiment, the NLC bactericidal effect against H. pylori was also tested using a growth medium (BB) indicated for H. pylori growth [<NUM>]. <FIG> shows that all bacteria are killed after <NUM> of incubation with NLCs for all the concentrations used. The bactericidal effect of NLC on H. pylori was faster when bacteria were growing in this medium than in MHB medium.

In an embodiment, in order to understand the interaction of NLCs with H. pylori, their morphology after growing in the presence and absence of NLCs was evaluated by SEM and TEM. Samples were prepared after <NUM> and <NUM> of incubation with <NUM>% of NLCs, since after <NUM> mostly of the bacteria are alive and after <NUM> all bacteria are dead.

In an embodiment, SEM images of H. pylori grown during <NUM> (<FIG>) and <NUM> (<FIG>) in the absence of NLCs (control) show their characteristic bacillus shape with <NUM>-<NUM> of length and <NUM>-<NUM> wide [<NUM>-<NUM>]. When bacteria were incubated with NLCs for <NUM> (<FIG>) their morphology was similar to the controls, demonstrating the integrity of its membrane. However, after <NUM> incubation with NLCs (<FIG>), although high morphological changes were not observed using this technique, it was possible to visualize the leakage of their cytoplasmic contents. These results suggest that NLCs can interact with H. pylori by disrupting its cell membrane.

In an embodiment, TEM images (<FIG>) corroborate with SEM images, showing H. pylori with the intact cell membrane and dense cytoplasm in controls (<FIG>) and after <NUM> hours growing with NLCs (<FIG>). After <NUM> of incubation with NLCs, TEM images revealed a disseverance of outer membrane and plasma membrane with parts of bacteria without cytoplasmic contents (<FIG>).

In an embodiment, NLCs cytotoxicity was evaluated against a gastric carcinoma cell line (MKN45) using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays (<FIG> and <FIG>, respectively). <FIG> shows that for NLC concentrations up to <NUM>%v/v, the reduction of MKN45 cell viability was lower than <NUM>%. <FIG> demonstrated that despite its strong bactericidal activity against H. pylori, NLCs are not cytotoxic against MKN45 cells at concentrations up to <NUM>%v/v (~<NUM>% cell lysis). These results also demonstrated that NLCs at bactericidal concentrations (<NUM>% v/v) have a negligible lactate dehydrogenase release and did not induce apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction after <NUM> of incubation. These NLCs, at bactericidal concentrations, are biocompatible according to ISO <NUM>-<NUM> [<NUM>] since the decrease of cell metabolic activity and increase of cell lysis due to the presence of NLCs in comparison with control were lower than <NUM>%.

The disclosure should not be seen in any way restricted to the embodiments described and a person with ordinary skill in the art will foresee many possibilities to modifications thereof.

The above described embodiments are combinable.

Claim 1:
A nanostructured lipid particle for use in the treatment or prevention of a disease induced by Helicobacter pylori comprising
a mixture of a solid lipid, a liquid lipid, a surfactant;
wherein the solid lipid is glyceryl palmitostearate;
wherein the liquid lipid is Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride;
wherein the surfactant is polysorbate <NUM>;
wherein the nanostructured lipid particle is a Helicobacter pylori bactericide.