Lipid/copolymer hybrid drug delivery systems: From design to performance

In recent years, nanomedicine has become very popular in the pharmaceutical field as it raises opportunities for precise and more effective pharmacotherapy. Among others, hybrid lipid/polymer systems have gained a lot of interest as drug delivery nanoplatforms having several assets: combine the advantages of both lipid- and polymer- based nanoparticles, minimize the drawbacks, and exhibit new inherent properties. This review summarizes the most recent studies on hybrid nanostructures comprised of phospholipids and copolymers for drug and gene delivery. The general aspects of lipids and polymers alongside the formulation protocols, the characterization techniques, and the applications of hybrid systems are reported as well. From a critical point of view, the complexity of hybrids and their added value are considered, while the critical quality attributes as well as the still existing limitations are also highlighted. Embracing the quality by design-oriented formulation strategy, this work could, hopefully, enlighten the design and development of safe and efficient lipid/copolymer nanoparticles from a technological perspective having as the ultimate goal their clinical application.