Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanocarriers as a Promising Nanocarrier for Drug Delivery

Abstract

Objective: The primary goal of this review is to discuss the most prominent nanocarrier “Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticle” (LPHNP) that overcomes the limitation of lipid and polymeric nanoparticles.  This is made up of a polymeric core and lipid as an outer layer. Lipid-based Nanoparticle has some drawbacks like insufficient drug loading, fast drug release and physical and chemical instability during storage. The polymeric core encapsulates both hydrophilic & hydrophobic drugs and the lipid shell is also capable to encapsulate lipophilic drugs and provides a coat that gives a barrier to prevent drug leakage & easily penetrating to the skin. The LPHNPs have a wide range of applications in drug delivery, drug targeting, cancer treatment, brain drug delivery, multiple drug delivery, delivery of diagnostic imaging agents and Small interfering Ribonucleic acid (siRNA) etc.

Methods: This session is based on material from the literature, where two-step and Single-step methods were used to manufacture LPHNPs. Most researchers employ the Single-step method of nanoprecipitation and single-step solvent evaporation for creating LPHNPs.  Polylactic Glycolic acid (PLGA), Poly € caprolactone, Chitosan, Alginate, Dextron, Sodium Alginate, etc are used as polymeric core and Stearic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenol Alcohol, etc used as lipid core.

Results: We evaluated each finding in light of the literature and the writers' expertise. Diffusion mechanisms, followed by erosive processes and matrix swelling, are all necessary for drug release. The lipid shell offers a biocompatible barrier that functions like the skin's phospholipid bilayer and is readily absorbed by the skin. For the treatment of cancer, that is also able to deliver multi-drug and diagnostic imaging agents.

Conclusion: The Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles are the most well-known nanocarrier for drug delivery.  It has a high bioavailability and is capable of delivering both hydrophilic and lipophilic medications.