Lipid-based nanoparticles: innovations in ocular drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Ophthalmology
• Pharmaceutics

Background:

• Ocular drug delivery faces challenges from anatomical barriers and enzymes.
• Lipid-based nanoparticles (LNPs) show potential for overcoming these barriers.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), and cationic nanostructured lipid carriers (CNLCs) are key LNP types.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review lipid nanoparticle systems for ocular drug delivery.
• To summarize materials, methodologies, and applications of SLNs, NLCs, and CNLCs.
• To highlight the efficiency and biocompatibility of LNPs in ocular contexts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of research and review articles.
• Databases searched: Google Scholar, TandFonline, SpringerLink, ScienceDirect.
• Focus on studies published between 2013 and 2023.

Main Results:

• LNPs enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and sustained release for ocular applications.
• CNLCs exhibit superior ocular drug delivery due to electrostatic bioadhesion to tissues.
• SLNs and NLCs also present viable options for ocular drug delivery.

Conclusions:

• Lipid nanoparticles, especially CNLCs, are promising for advanced ocular drug delivery.
• Further optimization and clinical validation of CNLC formulations are necessary.
• Continued research will drive advancements in ocular drug delivery technology and patient outcomes.