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Biological fate of ingested lipid-based nanoparticles: current understanding and future directions

Taoran Wang1, Yangchao Luo1

  • 1Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA. yangchao.luo@uconn.edu.

Nanoscale
|June 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Oral administration of lipid-based nanoparticles (LN) shows promise for enhancing nutrient absorption. This review clarifies the absorption mechanisms and biological fate of LN in the gastrointestinal tract, crucial for their therapeutic applications.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Lipid-based nanoparticles (LN) are increasingly studied for oral delivery of bioactive compounds.
  • Limited understanding exists regarding the absorption mechanisms and biological fate of orally administered LN.
  • Clarifying these pathways is essential for optimizing their use in health promotion and disease prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the biological fate of orally administered LN.
  • To review recent cell and animal model studies on LN absorption.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms governing LN uptake in the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Methods:

  • Critical review of existing scientific literature on orally administered lipid-based nanoparticles.
  • Analysis of studies utilizing cell and animal models to investigate LN absorption.
  • Discussion of physicochemical properties influencing LN behavior in the gastrointestinal tract.

Main Results:

  • The biological fate of ingested LN is primarily dictated by their physicochemical characteristics (size, surface, composition, structure).
  • Absorption predominantly occurs in the small intestine.
  • LN can be either digestible or indigestible, leading to distinct biological fates and absorption pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Physicochemical properties are key determinants of oral LN fate and absorption.
  • Understanding molecular and cellular uptake mechanisms is vital for future research.
  • Further investigation is needed to fully elucidate the biological fate and optimize the delivery potential of LN.

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