Nanostructured lipid carriers- a review
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Nanostructured lipid carriers- a review
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Girja, Swati Kaushal and Reena
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Nanostructured lipid carriers- a review
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202111-21644
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Nanoparticles, with sizes typically ranging from 10 to 1000 nm, have seen significant advancements in pharmaceutical applications over the last few decades. Among these, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have emerged as a prominent category, which includes Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs). NLCs represent the next generation of lipid-based drug delivery systems, combining solid and liquid lipids to improve drug loading capacity, stability, and release profiles. This review discusses the advantages and types of NLCs, their preparation methods, and their various applications in the pharmaceutical field.
2) The Concept of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)
NLCs are advanced lipid nanoparticles that maintain a unique composition of both solid and liquid lipids, resulting in a partially crystallized lipid system. This structure provides numerous benefits over traditional SLNs, including the capability to accommodate higher drug loads and to deliver drugs in a controlled manner. There are three types of NLCs based on their structural properties: NLC Type I (Imperfect Crystal Model), which contains distorted structures with cavities for drug loading; NLC Type II (Multiple Type), which promotes high encapsulation efficiency and controlled release; and NLC Type III (Amorphous Model), designed to minimize drug leakage by maintaining a homogenous amorphous state. These characteristics make NLCs versatile in drug delivery for a wide range of therapeutic applications.
3) Methods of Fabrication of NLCs
Several techniques exist for the preparation of NLCs, such as high-pressure homogenization, microemulsion, and solvent diffusion methods. The high-pressure homogenization method can be conducted either hot or cold to yield nanosized particles by breaking emulsions. The microemulsion method involves dissolving drugs in melted lipids and emulsifying them in surfactant solutions, while the solvent diffusion method simplifies the process by mixing lipids in organic solutions. Each method offers unique advantages and challenges, influencing the final characteristics of the NLCs produced, such as particle size, stability, and drug release profiles.
4) Applications of NLCs
NLCs have a broad range of applications in pharmaceuticals, including topical, oral, parenteral, and ocular drug delivery. They enhance the solubility and bioavailability of poorly soluble drugs, improve targeted delivery to specific sites, and ensure sustained release profiles. Beyond therapeutics, NLCs are also utilized in cosmeceuticals to improve the delivery of active ingredients and enhance skin compatibility. Furthermore, they hold potential for application in nutraceuticals and food industries due to their ability to provide health benefits through enhanced absorption and bioavailability.
5) Conclusion
The development of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) represents a significant advancement in drug delivery systems, offering multiple benefits for both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. Their ability to enhance drug loading, absorption, and controlled release underscores their importance in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications. With ongoing research into modifying the properties of NLCs, there is promising potential for their use in a wide range of therapeutic applications, paving the way for improved treatment outcomes and patient compliance.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and their composition?
Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) are a type of lipid nanoparticle composed of a mixture of solid and liquid lipids, surfactants, and water, designed for improved drug delivery, stability, and loading efficiency.
What are the advantages of using NLCs in pharmaceuticals?
NLCs offer improved stability, enhanced drug loading capacity, controlled release, biodegradable materials, and the ability for site-specific delivery, making them ideal for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.
How are Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) prepared?
NLCs can be prepared using various methods, including high-pressure homogenization, microemulsion, solvent diffusion, and solvent emulsification, each offering benefits depending on the specific drug and application.
What therapeutic applications can benefit from NLCs?
NLCs can be used in various therapeutic applications including oral, ocular, parenteral, and pulmonary drug delivery, enhancing bioavailability, absorption, and controlled release of medications.
What are the disadvantages associated with Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs)?
Disadvantages of NLCs may include potential cell damage, irritation from surfactants, stability issues, growth of particle size, and limited clinical reports on preclinical effectiveness.
In which fields other than pharmaceuticals are NLCs applied?
Apart from pharmaceuticals, NLCs have promising applications in cosmeceuticals, nutraceuticals, and food industries due to their improved bioavailability and stability of active ingredients.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Nanostructured lipid carriers- a review”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drugs encompass a broad range of pharmacological compounds, including both therapeutic agents and various biologically active substances. The context of NLCs focuses on enhancing the delivery, stability, and bioavailability of these drugs, particularly those with poor solubility or harsh biochemical properties, making their effective application crucial in modern medicine.
2) Water:
Water serves as a critical medium in the preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers. It is used to disperse the lipid components and serves as a solvent in various preparation methods such as microemulsion and solvent diffusion. Water's role facilitates easier and safer drug delivery systems without toxic organic solvents.
3) Biodegradable:
Biodegradable materials are capable of being broken down naturally by biological processes, which is an essential characteristic of nanostructured lipid carriers. This attribute contributes to reduced environmental impact and enhanced safety for human use. NLCs made from biodegradable lipids are therefore preferred in drug delivery systems.
4) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the harmful effects that substances can have on living organisms. In the context of NLCs, low toxicity is crucial for their application in pharmaceuticals, ensuring that the drug carrier does not produce adverse effects. The formulation aims to mitigate toxicity while enhancing therapeutic effects.
5) Field:
Fields refer to various areas or disciplines in which NLCs can be applied, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and food technology. The versatility of NLCs across these fields showcases their potential to transform traditional methods of drug and ingredient delivery through enhanced efficacy and safety.
6) Chemotherapy:
Chemotherapy is a treatment method that uses chemical substances to kill or slow down the growth of cancer cells. NLCs have been explored for their ability to improve the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents, offering patients potentially less toxic and more effective treatment options through targeted delivery.
7) Irritation:
Irritation in this context refers to discomfort or adverse reactions caused by substances used in formulations, including surfactants in NLCs. Understanding and mitigating irritation is important in developing safe and effective drug delivery systems, ensuring that the carriers do not elicit negative responses when used topically or systemically.
8) Disease:
Disease, singular, refers to a specific pathological condition characterized by identifiable signs and symptoms. Targeted drug delivery systems like NLCs are designed with the goal to effectively treat specific diseases through optimized formulations that can enhance absorption and minimize unwanted side effects, thus improving treatment outcomes.
9) Heating:
Heating is a process used in the formulation of NLCs, often required during methods like hot homogenization. Controlling the heating process helps in melting lipids to create emulsions, which are essential for encapsulating drugs and ultimately stabilizing the nanostructured lipid carriers during their production.
10) Surface:
Surface pertains to the outer layer or interface of the nanoparticles in NLCs. Modifying the surface characteristics of NLCs, such as charge and hydrophilicity, significantly influences drug release profiles, cellular uptake, and overall biodistribution, which is critical for effective therapeutic performance.
11) Medium:
Medium refers to the substance in which processes occur, such as the aqueous phase used in the preparation of NLCs. The selection of an appropriate medium is crucial to attain desired nanoparticle characteristics and ensures successful emulsification and stability of the drug delivery systems.
12) India:
India is the country where the research and development of the reviewed NLCs are conducted, as noted in the publication. The growing Indian pharmaceutical industry is increasingly adopting nanotechnology solutions for advancing drug delivery systems, thus contributing to the global landscape of innovative healthcare solutions.
13) Kala:
Kala, likely referring to Kala-Amb, the location of the Himalayan Institute of Pharmacy where the research is affiliated, signifies the geographical context of this study. Educational and research institutions in such regions contribute significantly to advancements in pharmaceutical sciences through localized research initiatives and development.
14) Food:
Food is one of the applications where NLCs can provide improved delivery systems for nutraceuticals and bioactive compounds. The integration of nanotechnology in food science can enhance the stability, absorption, and bioavailability of essential nutrients, reflecting the broad potential of NLCs beyond medicine.
15) Castor:
Castor likely refers to castor oil, a common liquid lipid used in the formulation of NLCs. Castor oil is favored for its biocompatibility and ability to solubilize a wide range of drugs, thereby aiding in the development of effective nanoparticle systems for enhanced drug delivery.
16) Davana:
Davana refers to a plant oil derived from the Artemisia species, which may be used in formulations of NLCs for its fragrance or therapeutic properties. The incorporation of such natural oils could enhance bioactivity, stability, and efficacy in various applications, including cosmetics or pharmaceuticals.
17) Repair:
Repair in this context may relate to the therapeutic applications of NLCs in tissue engineering or regenerative medicine. NLCs have potential roles in delivering bioactive agents that support tissue healing and repair, leveraging their unique properties to enhance recovery processes in various medical fields.
18) Soya:
Soya refers to soy lecithin, which is commonly utilized as a surfactant in NLC formulations. Soya lecithin plays a crucial role in stabilizing lipid nanoparticles, improving their solubility, dispersion, and bioavailability while ensuring safety and effectiveness of the final drug delivery system.
19) Wall:
Wall, in this context, may imply the cellular or intestinal wall where drug absorption occurs. NLCs are designed to adhere effectively to biological barriers, enhancing the ability of drugs to permeate these walls, thereby facilitating improved therapeutic outcomes in oral or targeted drug delivery.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Nanostructured lipid carriers- a review’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Chemotherapy, Therapeutic application, Method of preparation, Drug delivery system, Pharmaceutical industries, Controlled release, Nutraceutical, Bioavailability enhancer, Ocular drug delivery, Surfactant, Drug entrapment efficiency, Oral delivery, Gene therapy, High pressure homogenization, Topical delivery, Polymeric nanoparticle, Nanostructured lipid carrier, Pulmonary drug delivery, Lyophilisation, Solid lipid nanoparticle, Cryogenic milling, Thermal sensitivity, Parenteral delivery, Colloidal drug carrier, Beneficial aspects, Emulsification sonication method, Phase inversion technique, Lipid nanoparticle, Cosmeceutical.