Solid Lipid Particles for Drug Delivery: From the Bench to the Clinic

The delivery of lipophilic agents in medicine, food, and agriculture has been a challenge because the lipophilicity of the agents decreases their accessibility to hydrophilic biological systems. Numerous solutions have been offered over the years. Some that did access the market.

Formulations that spontaneously form nanoparticles when added to aqueous media have been developed for the delivery of cyclosporin and other agents. These liquid formulations are composed of surfactants, lipids, and a solvent loaded in a soft gelatin capsule for oral delivery. Cannabinoids having a log P of 6-7 have been incorporated into such formulations, and they have shown improved bioavailability.

Insecticides and herbicides are generally water-insoluble, thus they require formulation into either nanoparticles for improved absorption in plant and/or extended-release formulations for long action. Pickering emulsions have been extensively applied for the delivery of these agents. These emulsions have limited stability and are in liquid form, therefore limiting their use. A new type of particle has been developed, termed “Solid Pickering,” in which a solid lipid core is decorated with nanoparticles to form spherical particles for controlled delivery of agents. These solid-pickering particles have been used for formulating lipophilic drugs, food additives, and insecticides for extended release for weeks.

This seminar will discuss various lipid formulations and their applications in medicine and agriculture.