Comprehensive Insights into Lipid Nanocarriers: Preparation, Characterization and Applications

Abstract

Background: Lipid nanocarriers have emerged as a novel alternative to traditional drug delivery systems such as emulsions, liposomes, and microparticulate systems. These are spherical nano-sized (1–1000 nm) colloidal carriers dispersed in an aqueous surfactant solution. Their biodegradable, biocompatible, and non-toxic nature has led to extensive exploration in clinical medicine for multiple routes of administration, including oral, parenteral, and topical delivery. They offer high stability, large drug-loading capacity, and the ability to deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs in a targeted and controlled manner. Purpose: The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of lipid nanocarriers, focusing on their fundamental principles, advantages, limitations, preparation methods, and characterization techniques. Methods: The review compiles and analyzes literature from relevant publications from the last 15 years on lipid nanocarriers, covering their formulation approaches, different preparation techniques, and evaluation parameters used to assess their physicochemical and functional properties. Results: Lipid nanocarriers demonstrate significant advantages, including enhanced stability, improved drug loading, controlled and targeted drug release, and adaptability to various formulation requirements. Their versatility makes them suitable for applications in pharmaceuticals, vaccines, nutraceuticals, and diagnostic systems. Conclusions: A comprehensive understanding of lipid nanocarriers can open new avenues in the treatment of multifactorial disorders. Their safety, efficacy, and flexibility position them as promising candidates for advanced drug delivery systems and future therapeutic innovations.