Excipients, drug release mechanism and physicochemical characterization methods of Solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

From last thirty years, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) gain much importance as drug delivery vehicle for enhanced delivery of the drugs, proteins, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. SLNs defined as a submicron size range nanoparticle with below 1000 nm and are mainly composed of lipids and surfactants, capable of incorporating both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. SLNs also used as controlled systems, targeted delivery and altered therapeutic efficacy purpose. A wide variety of methods such as double emulsion, solvent evaporation, ultra sonication, high-pressure homogenization and microemulsion used for SLNs production. This review provides the significance of SLNs in drug delivery with highlighting on selection of excipients, drug release mechanism, principles and limitations associated with their physicochemical and surface morphological characterization. Keywords: Solid lipid nanoparticles, enhanced delivery, preparation, characterization, application.