Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Special Feature, Bioavailability Enhancement and Recent Advances in the Oral Drug Delivery

Abstract: Background: During the last decades, Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have attracted the interest of many researchers and have been utilized as delivery systems in an increasing number of applications. Methods: This delivery system has shown potential as alternative drug delivery system as compared to various other oral particulate delivery systems. The lipids used in the formulations are biodegradable, biocompatible, and physiological lipids, so there may be less toxicity problems related with this dosage form. Results: It can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs with prolonged release pattern. The main advantage of lipid-based systems is to improve gastrointestinal (GI) absorption and oral bioavailability of many lipophilic drugs. SLN showed improved physical stability, prevent enzymatic degradation, high drug loading and prolonged release of incorporated drugs. The stability of the formulations might increase than other liquid nanocarriers due to the solid matrix of these lipid nanoparticles. SLN showed improved bioavailability of several drugs by increasing the oral absorption. Conclusion: In this review, oral bioavailability enhancement mechanisms, recent patents and advances in oral delivery of the solid lipid nanoparticles based on solid matrix will be discussed.