Abstract
Currently, carriers of active ingredients in the form of particles of a size measured in nanometers are the focus of interest of research centers worldwide. So far, submicrometer emulsions, liposomes, as well as microspheres, and nanospheres made of biodegradable polymers have been used in medicine. Recent studies show particular interest in nanoparticles based on lipids, and at the present time, are even referred to as the “era of lipid carriers”. With the passage of time, lipid nanoparticles of the so-called first and second generation, SLN (Solid Lipid Nanoparticles) and nanostructured lipid carriers and NLC (Nanostructured Lipid Carriers), respectively, turned out to be an alternative for all imperfections of earlier carriers. These carriers are characterized by a number of beneficial functional properties, including, among others, structure based on lipids well tolerated by the human body, high stability, and ability to carry hydro- and lipophilic compounds. Additionally, these carriers can enhance the distribution of the drug in the target organ and alter the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug carriers to enhance the medical effect and minimize adverse side effects. This work is focused on the current review of the state-of-the-art related to the synthesis and applications of popular nanoparticles in medicine, with a focus on their use, e.g., in COVID-19 vaccines.
Highlights
The intensive development of nanotechnology and continuous work on the miniaturization of technological objects has resulted in the possibility of obtaining structures with sizes not exceeding 100 nm
Large unilamellar vesicles (LUV); The particle size of nonionic vesicles is in the sub-micron size range
Lipid matrix nanoparticles (LNPs), which are used as nanocarriers, were first synthesized in the early 1990s [63]
Summary
The intensive development of nanotechnology and continuous work on the miniaturization of technological objects has resulted in the possibility of obtaining structures with sizes not exceeding 100 nm. Reducing the particle size of materials to the nanometer scale makes it possible to increase their total surface area by several orders of magnitude. Such objects are called nanoparticles, and methods for their production are the subject of nanotechnology. Additional studies are necessary on the interaction and boundary of active substances with lipids and surfactants/emulsifiers and on the mechanisms of diffusion and cellular uptake to achieve optimal working conditions. Another important hot topic to be elaborated on is the problems related to the encapsulation of hydrophilic compounds. The solubility of the bioactive compound or drug must always be analyzed in the different phases of the delivery system and in the surrounding application matrix
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
