Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Novel Platform in the Formulation of Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Lipid-based formulations, such as Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have been thoroughly studied as drug delivery platforms. NLCs are binary systems composed of both solid and liquid lipids that aim to produce a lipidic core that is less ordered. Components of NLCs particularly influence the physicochemical characteristics and efficacy of the final product. They contain a solid matrix at room temperature and are thought to be superior to many other conventional lipids-based nanocarriers, such as solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanoemulsions, and liposomes because of their improved stability, drug loading capacity, good biocompatibility, enhanced permeability, bioavailability, extended half-life, fewer side effects, tissue- specific delivery and also a wide range of potential applications. NLCs have multiple applications in the manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics due to their ease of preparation, the feasibility of scale-up, non-toxicity, improved targeting efficiency, and potential for site-specific delivery via various routes of administration. This review enlightens about the most recent developments of NLCs as a drug delivery system, types of NLCs, current techniques to prepare NLCs, and characterization techniques that are essential for the development of safe, effective and stable formulation. It also highlights the potential of using NLCs for various administration routes and recent developments in pharmaceutical applications with successful outcomes. This review also provides great insight into formulation considerations using design experts and modification strategies for improved targeting. On the whole, NLCs are broadly explored and preferred lipid nanocarrier systems with several advantages.