Nano-Lipid Carriers-A: A Promising Strategy for the Treatment of Fungal Infections

Abstract

Introduction: Fungi pose a severe hazard to human health since they can cause everything from simple surface infections to catastrophic systemic disorders. In India, invasive aspergillosis, candidemia, and fungal keratitis are frequent, with severe fungal infections affecting an estimated 4.1% of the population. Antifungal drugs, classified based on their mechanisms of action, face challenges such as resistance and limited efficacy. Natural products containing flavonoids, terpenes, and other compounds have promising antimicrobial properties and could be combined with existing drugs to develop innovative antifungal treatments. By improving pharmaceutical pharmacokinetics, solubility, and bioavailability, nanotechnology-based delivery methods, such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have the potential to solve the limitations of standard antifungal treatment. The present review covers the pathogenesis of fungal infections along with a complete overview of NLCs, including patents and clinical studies. Method: A comprehensive literature survey has been conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed, Google, ClinicalTrials.gov, ResearchGate, Google Patents, etc. Result: NLCs have successfully delivered the drug to the site of action, reducing the drug dose, thereby minimizing side effects and enhancing bioavailability. Discussion: NLCs effectively overcame the solubility and resistance issues, providing a safer and targeted drug delivery system. Conclusion: Research on NLCs for treating fungal infections is ongoing, and antifungal NLCs are demonstrating promising potential, with the possibility of remarkable advancements in the future.