Solid lipid nanoparticles

Abstract

In the last decade of the last century, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have been introduced to the literature as a novel carrier system for cosmetic active ingredients and pharmaceutical drugs. SLN consist of biodegradable physiological lipids or lipidic substances and stabilisers which are generally recognised as safe (GRAS) or have a regulatory accepted status. Compared to other delivery systems such as liposomes, microemulsions and polymeric nanoparticles, SLN possess various advantages. Examples are production without organic solvents, long time physical stability and the possibility of protection of chemically labile actives inside the particles. This chapter describes the composition, production procedures, characterisation of quality and stability of SLN dispersions and describes possibilities for application of this colloidal carrier system.