Solid lipid nanoparticles: An effective lipid-based technology for cancer treatment

Abstract

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are considered at the forefront of nanotechnology's rapidly developing field, with several potential applications in drug delivery and research. SLN possesses promising attributes for reaching the goal of controlled and site-specific drug delivery and hence attracted researchers' wide attention. The present review briefly introduces SLN and discusses the reasoning behind the use of SLN over other colloidal carriers, such as emulsions and liposomes. Techniques to produce SLN, drug incorporation, loading capacity, and drug release mechanisms are reviewed. Aspects of the SLNs route of administration and the in vivo fate of the carriers are also discussed. The potential of SLN in incorporating different anti-cancer drugs and their effectiveness in various cancer therapies is highlighted. The mechanism of action of some commonly used anti-cancer agents with SLN is provided.