Methods for preparation of nanostructured lipid carriers

Construction of nanocarriers of different structures and properties have shown great promise as delivery systems for a wide range of drugs to improve therapeutic effects and reduce side effects. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have been introduced as a new generation of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) to overcome several of the limitations associated with the SLNs. NLCs consist of a blend of solid and liquid lipids which result in a partially crystallized lipid system that enables higher drug loading efficiency compared to SLNs. Owing to their biocompatibility, low toxicity, ease of preparation and scaling-up, and high stability, NLCs have been exploited in numerous pharmaceutical applications. Different methods for fabrication of NLCs have been described in the literature. In this article, procedures involved in emulsification-solvent evaporation method, one of the commonly utilized methods for preparation of NLCs, are described in detail. Critical aspects that should be considered throughout preparation process are also highlighted to allow for consistent and reproducible construction of NLCs.