EXPLORING SOLID LIPID NANOPARTICLES AS VERSATILE NANOCARRIERS: A REVIEW ON DESIGN, EVALUATION, AND APPLICATIONS
Ankit Sen, Shweta Shukla, Om Prakash Agrawal
ABSTRACT
Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) represent an advanced nanocarrier system developed as an alternative to conventional colloidal delivery platforms such as emulsions, liposomes, and polymeric nanoparticles. They offer enhanced biocompatibility, controlled drug release, improved stability of labile compounds, and the ability to encapsulate poorly water-soluble drugs. SLNs consist of a solid lipid core stabilized by surfactants, ensuring protection of the incorporated drug and improved bioavailability. Various preparation methods including high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, solvent emulsification evaporation, microemulsion techniques, and supercritical fluid processing enable the production of nanosized dispersions with defined physicochemical attributes. Comprehensive characterization involving particle size analysis, zeta potential, morphology, crystallinity, and drug loading is essential to ensure product performance, stability, and therapeutic efficacy. SLNs have shown promising applications across several administration routes, including oral, parenteral, transdermal, and topical delivery, demonstrating their potential as versatile carriers for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. This review outlines the principles, preparation methods, characterization techniques, and current applications of SLNs, emphasizing their growing significance in modern drug delivery systems.
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