Lipid-Based Nanocarriers in Targeted Drug Delivery: Current Status and Limitations

Abstract

Lipid-based nanocarriers (LBNs), namely liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have become cornerstones in targeted therapeutics. their inherent biocompatibility, ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic cargos at the same time, and tunable surface chemistry makes them ideal vectors for bypassing physiological barriers. This mini-review summarises the current clinical and technological state of LBNs, and evaluates passive vs active targeting strategies and critically addresses primary formulation and manufacturing bottlenecks including polymorphic transitions, early payload leakage, immunogenicity, and industrial scalability.