Lipid Based Nanocarriers: Promising Drug Delivery System for Topical Application

Abstract

AbstractLipid based delivery system is gaining significant attention of researchers working on the development of novel formulations for improved therapeutic efficacy and safety of drugs. Topical drug delivery is needed in treatment of skin, eyes, rectum, vagina disorders and systemic disorders having skin manifestations. Lipid nanocarriers have widespread application in the topical drug delivery due to the biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic and nonirritating nature of the lipid. Microemulsion and nanoemulsion contain lipids in the nanosize range which can lead to penetration of drug to the deeper skin layers. Solid lipid nanoparticles and nanolipid carriers act by forming an occlusive layer on the skin leading to increased hydration and penetration of the drug. Vesicular carriers such as liposomes, niosomes, ultradeformable vesicles, cubosomes etc. are also reported to enhance the penetration of the entrapped drugs in deeper layers of skin. These carrier systems are mainly composed of lipids, surfactants, and co‐surfactants which are safe and quite acceptable by regulatory authorities. The present review article focuses on different types of lipid nanocarriers used in topical drug delivery, their advantages and limitations, mechanism of enhanced penetration, work reported in the related literature, characterization tests and their safety and toxicity concerns.