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Facile Preparation of Internally Self-assembled Lipid Particles Stabilized by Carbon Nanotubes
Published on: February 19, 2016
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Cubic and hexagonal liquid crystals as drug delivery systems
Yulin Chen1, Ping Ma2, Shuangying Gui3
1Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230031, China.
Biomed Research International
|July 5, 2014
Summary
Lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals offer sustained drug delivery due to their stable nanostructures. These biocompatible systems, including cubic and hexagonal phases, are promising for controlled release applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Lipids are key components in drug delivery systems like liposomes and nanoparticles.
- Lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals possess ordered, stable nanostructures ideal for sustained release.
- Their biocompatibility and biodegradability enable diverse administration routes with minimal toxicity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review lipids for cubic and hexagonal liquid crystalline phases at physiological temperatures.
- To discuss factors influencing liquid crystal phase transitions.
- To highlight recent advancements in using these phases for drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of lipid formulations for liquid crystalline phases.
- Analysis of factors affecting phase behavior (temperature, composition).
- Examination of drug release kinetics from cubic and hexagonal phases.
Main Results:
- Specific lipids suitable for forming cubic and hexagonal phases at physiological temperatures identified.
- Key factors influencing phase transitions detailed.
- Demonstrated potential for diffusion-controlled release of diverse active pharmaceutical ingredients.
Conclusions:
- Lipid-based lyotropic liquid crystals, particularly cubic and hexagonal phases, are effective for sustained drug delivery.
- These systems offer tunable properties for controlled release of various molecules.
- Further research into these lipidic nanostructures holds significant promise for advanced drug delivery systems.
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