Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 20, 2025
Formulating and Characterizing Lipid Nanoparticles for Gene Delivery using a Microfluidic Mixing Platform
Published on: February 25, 2021
Lymphatic drug delivery using engineered liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles
Shuang Cai1, Qiuhong Yang, Taryn R Bagby
1Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Kansas, USA.
Abstract:
The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in the immune system's recognition and response to disease, and most solid cancers initially spread from the primary site via the tumor's surrounding lymphatics before hematological dissemination. Hence, the lymphatic system is an important target for developing new vaccines, cancer treatments, and diagnostic agents. Targeting the lymphatic system by subcutaneous, intestinal, and pulmonary routes has been evaluated and subsequently utilized to improve lymphatic penetration and retention of drug molecules, reduce drug-related systemic toxicities, and enhance bioavailability of poorly soluble and unstable drugs. Lymphatic imaging is an essential tool for the detection and staging of cancer. New nano-based technologies offer improved detection and characterization of the nodal diseases, while new delivery devices can better target and confine treatments to tumors within the nodal space while sparing healthy tissues. This manuscript reviews recent advances in the field of lymphatic drug delivery and imaging and focuses specifically on the development of liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles for lymphatic introduction via the subcutaneous, intestinal, and pulmonary routes.
Insights
The lymphatic system is key for immune response and cancer spread. Advances in nanoparticle delivery via subcutaneous, intestinal, and pulmonary routes improve lymphatic drug delivery and imaging for better cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Oncology
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- The lymphatic system is integral to immune surveillance and cancer metastasis.
- Targeting lymphatic pathways offers potential for improved drug delivery and cancer diagnostics.
- Current strategies aim to enhance drug penetration, retention, and bioavailability while minimizing systemic toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in lymphatic drug delivery and imaging.
- To focus on liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles for lymphatic administration.
- To explore subcutaneous, intestinal, and pulmonary delivery routes.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on lymphatic drug delivery and imaging.
- Focus on nanoparticle-based systems, specifically liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles.
- Analysis of different administration routes (subcutaneous, intestinal, pulmonary).
Main Results:
- Nanoparticle technologies enhance lymphatic drug delivery and imaging capabilities.
- Targeted delivery to lymphatics improves drug efficacy and reduces side effects.
- Liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles show promise for lymphatic drug introduction.
Conclusions:
- The lymphatic system is a critical target for novel cancer therapies and diagnostics.
- Nanoparticle-based lymphatic drug delivery offers significant advantages.
- Further development of liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles is warranted for clinical application.
