Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Poorly Water Soluble Drugs through Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Recent Advancements

Abstract

To date, the oral route is considered as a proffered route for drug delivery having high patient compliance. However, the therapeutic efficacy of the drug given through the oral route is hampered by its low solubility, low bioavailability, and stability issues in the harsh gastric environment. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as a potential system that can overcome the oral bioavailability issues associated with poorly water-soluble drugs. The SLNs have both properties of lipid emulsion and polymeric nanoparticles and thus offer various benefits, such as high biocompatibility, biodegradability, protect the drug from degradation, improved drug stability in gastrointestinal tract, controlled drug release, avoid organic solvents, and ease of manufacturing. This review discussed the recent advancements in SLNs with regards to the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. The key components and methods of preparation of SLNs were also discussed. To conclude, studies performed to date have shown promising results with SLNs in enhancing the oral bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs with a high degree of biocompatibility.