Harnessing lipid based nanocochleates for targeted therapeutic delivery: Addressing formulation bottlenecks and...

Novel lipid-based drug delivery systems have gained considerable attention in recent years, with nanocochleates are emerging as a particularly promising lipid-based delivery system, recognized for their ability to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and site-directed delivery of a broad spectrum of therapeutic and nutraceutical agents. Nanocochleates are supramolecular, cylindrical lipid-based carriers formed through the interaction of negatively charged phospholipid such as phosphatidylserine with divalent cations like calcium. Their unique multilamellar structure imparts high physicochemical stability, enabling efficient encapsulation and protection of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic bioactives from environmental and physiological degradation. Compared to conventional lipid-based systems such as liposomes or solid lipid nanoparticles, nanocochleates provide sustained release, improved gastrointestinal stability, and reduced systemic toxicity, making them suitable for oral, mucosal, and systemic administration. Applications include both pharmaceutical and nutraceutical sectors, including functional foods, where nanocochleates enhance the solubility, sensory properties, and shelf-life of bioactives such as curcumin, vitamin D₃, and omega-3 fatty acids. Various formulation techniques, including the liposome-to-cochleate transition, trapping methods, and freeze-drying, have been developed to optimize particle size, entrapment efficiency, and release behavior. Despite their potential, key challenges remain in the form of large-scale production, batch consistency, regulatory validation, and long-term safety assessment. This review highlights the formulation strategies, functional attributes, and biomedical relevance of nanocochleates while addressing their current limitations and translational prospects. Their distinct advantages underscore the importance of continued interdisciplinary efforts toward realizing their full potential in drug delivery and nutrition-based interventions.