Affiliation:
1. Department of Pharmaceutics, Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida-
201303, U.P. India
Abstract
Abstract:
The advent of technology provides a solution to various drug delivery-related problems by
undertaking the development of a better drug delivery system, i.e., nano-sized drug delivery systems as
they have shown huge prospects for effective delivery of drugs in the body. Nanostructured lipid carriers
(NLCs) are such type of novel drug delivery system in which lipids of both solid and liquid types
are used as a core for the disorganized matrix, which prevents the solid lipid crystallization and increases
drug payload. They are generally composed of solid and liquid lipids, emulsifiers, drugs, and
other various additives, which are selected based on purity, chemical stability, the concentration of materials
required, compatibility, biodegradability, processing type, cost, and their regulatory status. Placing
bioactives into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) has enhanced pharmacokinetic characteristics
by increasing therapeutic functionality and prolonging release from these carrier systems. In our opinion,
the search involves two steps viz. fabrication strategies, production methods, and the impact of various
types of substances on them, as well as the release mechanism and targeting modalities. In addition
to other applications, the use of NLCs in gene therapy has marked a promising path for new and
better drug delivery systems. Further development of various dosage forms using NLCs, like NLC
based hydrogels, is being done for improving the overall aesthetic properties, leading to the desired
therapeutic effect of the incorporated active. This review highlights several elements of NLCs, such as
structural model and types, excipients utilized, factors affecting NLC production, preparation techniques,
characterization, current applications, patents, challenges, and opportunities.
Publisher
Bentham Science Publishers Ltd.
Subject
General Engineering,Condensed Matter Physics,General Materials Science