Properties, Engineering and Applications of Lipid-Based Nanoparticle Drug-Delivery Systems: Current Research and Advances

Abstract

Lipid-based drug-delivery systems have evolved from micro- to nano-scale, enhancing the efficacy and therapeutic applications of these delivery systems. Production of lipid-based pharmaceutical nanoparticles is categorized into top-down (fragmentation of particulate material to reduce its average total dimensions) and bottom-up (amalgamation of molecules through chemical interactions creating particles of greater size) production methods. Selection of the appropriate method depends on the physiochemical properties of individual entities within the nanoparticles. The production method also influences the type of nanoparticle formulations being produced. Liposomal formulations and solid-core micelles are the most widely utilized lipid-based nanoparticles, with surface modifications improving their therapeutic outcomes through the production of long-circulating, tissue-targeted and/or pH-sensitive nanoparticles. More recently, solid lipid nanoparticles have been engineered to reduce toxicity toward mammalian cells, while multifunctional lipid-based nanoparticles (i.e., hybrid lipid nanoparticles) have been formulated to simultaneously perform therapeutic and diagnostic functions. This article will discuss novel lipid-based drug-delivery systems, outlining the properties and applications of lipid-based nanoparticles alongside their methods of production. In addition, a comparison between generations of the lipid-based nano-formulations is examined, providing insight into the current directions of lipid-based nanoparticle drug-delivery systems.

Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for <em>In Vivo</em> Optical Imaging

“…Liposomes have been intensively investigated and serve as one of the most biocompatible biomedical drug delivery systems for clinical applications 1,2 . They are mainly composed of phospholipids and cholesterol, both of which are biocompatible compounds mimicking parts of natural cell membranes.…”

The promotion of siRNA delivery to breast cancer overexpressing epidermal growth factor receptor through anti-EGFR antibody conjugation by immunoliposomes

“…However, the exact role of antibody conjugation on size of liposomes remains uncharacterized. The increase in size of antibody-conjugated nanoparticles should be avoided or alleviated, because nanoparticles of small size have a much longer circulation time in vivo than larger ones [16,17]. Moreover, antibody conjugation may alter the surface charge, hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of liposomes.…”

Evaluation of &beta;-cyclodextrin-modified gemini surfactant-based delivery systems in melanoma models

“…6 At the cellular level, nanoparticles improve the effect of cytotoxic agents because they have the ability to accumulate the cytotoxic drug in the cells and prevent drug efflux from the diseased cell, thereby overcoming drug resistance. 7,8 Hence, nanotechnology, such as polymer-based nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, niosomes, cubosomes, and nanodiamonds, can contribute significant improvements to the efficiency of cancer therapy. 9 Melanoma is a type of cancer that needs urgent attention and could benefit from nanotherapy.…”