Lipid-Based Nanoformulations for Drug Delivery: An Ongoing Perspective

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Drug Delivery

Background:

• Oils and lipids, with surfactants, improve water-insoluble drug solubility and absorption.
• Microemulsions, nanoemulsions, and self-emulsifying drug delivery systems offer stability and controlled release.
• Solid lipid nanoparticles and liposomes/niosomes enable enhanced drug loading and targeted delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review lipid and oil-based nanoparticulate systems for water-insoluble drug delivery.
• To highlight the features of various systems like emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, and niosomes.
• To emphasize comparative studies on these drug delivery systems.

Main Methods:

• Review of scientific literature on lipid-based drug delivery systems.
• Analysis of the structural manipulation of emulsions and nanoparticles.
• Examination of phospholipid and surfactant-based vesicular systems.

Main Results:

• Lipid systems effectively enhance the solubility and absorption of poorly soluble drugs.
• Nanoparticulate systems provide prolonged storage and controlled drug release.
• Multifunctional nanoparticles can encapsulate macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.

Conclusions:

• Lipid nanoparticles and vesicular systems are increasingly preferred for therapeutic agent encapsulation and delivery.
• Advancements in targeting ligands and synthetic lipids will further enhance these systems.
• Comparative studies are crucial for selecting optimal lipid-based delivery strategies.