NANO LIPID CARRIERS

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are spherical vesicles consisting of an amorphous lipid core surrounded by a shell of stabilizing surfactants that render the particles water dispersible. NLCs have been shown highly effective as carriers for poorly soluble oral drugs and other bioactive compounds like nutritional supplements.

NLCs are composed of a liquid oil mixed with solid lipids resulting in the formation of a less ordered lipid matrix with many imperfections. The oil forms tiny droplets in the surrounding solid lipid matrix and compounds can be effectively loaded into these nano compartments, while preventing leakage of the active ingredients.

The advantages of NLCs include an increased encapsulation efficiency, higher drug loading and physical stability, as well as improved chemical stability of the active ingredient. Moreover NLCs prevent crystallization of lipophilic compounds and help uptake of the active in the intestine, thereby enhancing bioaccessibility and bioavailability of the active substance.

NLCs are characterized by an increased volume of encapsulation compared to liposomes, as the active ingredients can be distributed in the entire lipid matrix and not only in a bilayer like with liposomes. Consequently, NLCs are highly effective carriers for oral drug/nutraceutical applications that typically require higher drug/active doses than in liposomal applications. Moreover, their superior stability compared to liposomes makes them resist the harsh conditions of the GI tract better.