Abstract

NANOSTRUCTURED LIPID CARRIERS- A REVIEW

Girja*, Swati Kaushal and Reena

.

Abstract

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have gained attention during last few decades due to several advantages. Lipid nanoparticles are classified into two namely Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs). SLNs such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles and emulsions were developed for improved stability, better release profile and delivery at targeted site. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are next generation lipid nanoparticles, are generally referred to as modified solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs). NLC are mixture of solid and liquid lipids that results in partial crystallized lipid system and imparts numerous advantages over other solid lipid nanoparticles which includes flexibility in drug release, higher stability and improved drug loading capacity. The concept of NLCs can be easily applied in pharmaceutical industries and laboratories due to its ease and cost effective manufacturing, biocompatibility, non-toxicity, ease of delivery at target site/ site specific delivery via several routes of administration. This review highlights the advantages, types, structure, and method of fabrication for stable formulation and application of NLC in pharmaceutical field. An overview of reviews was conducted to locate published literature between 2000 and 2020.

Keywords: Nanostructured lipid, NLC, Nanoparticles, solid lipid nanoparticles, controlled release, bioavailability enhancers, colloidal drug carrier.