Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles: Synthesis strategies and biomedical applications

This review article is an updated overview on lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNs) including the various types of LPHNs polymers used in their preparation, various methods of preparation, their physiochemical, in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation parameters and their application in various delivery systems. LPHNs show a combined advantage of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. LPHNs mainly consist of a biodegradable polymeric material core containing drugs or any substances which are to be encapsulated then this core is further enclosed by a phospholipid layer i.e. lipid PEG layer. LPHNs show good physical strength and biocompatibility. The hybrid structural design can offer various benefits such as controlled particle size, high drug loading, surface functionality with various ligands (antibody fragments, peptides, monoclonal antibodies, aptamers, and folate molecules), and encapsulation of combinational therapeutic agents, showing prolonged release of drug and drug circulates in the blood for longer duration. Significantly, the LPHNs have recently been confirmed as a better drug delivery route and good cellular delivery efficacy of various drugs as compared to polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes.