Hybrid Vesicular Nanosystems Based on Lipids and Polymers Applied in Therapy, Theranostics, and Cosmetics

Nanotechnology has made great contributions in the development of materials with potential application in different areas, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, where nano-systems are being intensely studied for controlled drug release. These innovative systems are composed of structures such as nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, and cyclodextrins, with the aim of promoting enhanced bioavailability of bioactive molecules. Among these nanocarriers, vesicles such as liposomes and polymersomes are considered to be promising alternatives in delivering hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. They have different classifications according to their composition, among which are hybrid vesicles, which unlike liposomes are composed of both lipids and polymers. These vesicular systems stand out for combining the advantages of both components, overcoming the limitations of traditional systems imposed by low stability and premature release of the encapsulated active substance. The polymers applied in hybrid vesicles can make up the membrane structure itself or be employed to coat preformed vesicles. Due to the relevance of these systems, this work covers their characteristics and summarizes recent articles about them in the literature.