Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers: Design and Applications of Programmable Nanoparticulate Delivery Systems
Prerana Shivaji Kadam, Jameel Ahmed S Mulla, Viraj Atul Mahajan
Abstract:
(SLNs) or Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: These are very small balls of safe fats that help transport medicines throughout the body. These tiny fat particles can serve to shield the drug, help it work better and last longer in the body. They’re formulated with all-natural lipids, and safe helpers called surfactants and co-surfactants help keep them stable so they don’t glob together. Various strategies, such as heating, mixing and cooling, are exploited by the scientists to fabricate SLNs in the correct size and shape. The nanoparticles can deliver drugs through the mouth, skin, eyes and nose, in addition to by means of injections into the blood or lungs. They already serve as treatment for many diseases, including cancer, infections and brain disorders. The newer vehicle, such as SLN are far superior than older vehicle in term of being biocompatible and less toxic, cost effective and slow and sustained release of drug. Occasionally, however, drugs can leak or degrade while in storage. These days, scientists are designing smarter SLNs with the help of new concepts such as green technology and artificial intelligence. In the future, those smart SLNs could be used for vaccines and special treatments to help people heal faster and stay healthy.
Keywords: Drug Delivery, Lipids, Surfactants, Encapsulation Efficiency, Particle Size, Zeta Potential, Controlled Release, Oral Delivery, Ocular Delivery, Pulmonary Delivery, Parenteral Delivery, Anticancer, Antiviral, Anti-inflammatory, CNS Targeting.
References:
[1] Mulla JAS. Bridging the disciplines of molecular biology, nanotechnology, and nanomedicine. World Journal of Molecular Biology. 2024; 1(1): 20-25.
[2] Yadav RV, Mulla JAS. Nanotechnology: A Modern Approach in Novel Drug Delivery. World Journal of Nanoparticle Research. 2023; 1(1): 29-34.
[3] Rainer H, Karsten M, Gohla S. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Controlled Drug Deliver- A Review of the State of The Art. European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics. 2000; 50: 161-177.
[4] Shingate DM, Mulla JAS. Exploring Liposomes: Comprehensive Classification, Preparation Techniques, and Composition Insights. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2024; 16(2): 80-90.
[5] Montoto S, Muraca G, Ruiz M. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery: Pharmacological and Biopharmaceutical Aspects. Frontiers in molecular biosciences. 2020; 7.
[6] Mulla JAS. Nano-based Drug Delivery Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Design, Mechanisms and Applications. World Journal of Pharmaceutics. 2024; 1(1): 1-11.
[7] Madkhali O.A. Perspectives and Prospects on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Systems. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2022; 27, 1543.
[8] Mulla JAS, Shetty NK, Panchamukhi SI, Khazi IAM. Formulation, Characterization and in vitro Evaluation of Novel Thienopyrimidines and Triazolothienopyrimidines Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda & Pharmacy. 2010; 1(1): 192-200.
[9] Khairnar SV, Pagare P, Thakre A. Review on the Scale-Up Methods for the Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2022; 14:1886.
[10] Garud A, Singh D, Garud N. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN): Method, Characterization and Applications. International Current Pharmaceutical Journal. 2012; 1(11): 384-393.
[11] Priyadarshani A. Advantages and Disadvantages of Nanoparticles. J. NanomedicineBiotherapeuticsDiscov. 2022; 12(5).
[12] Bondi M, Manojkumar N, Anand G. A Review on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Delivery of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Int. J. of Pharm. Sci. 2025; 3(6): 2727-2744.
[13] Pawar S, Venkatesh C. Solid Lipid Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: Design Innovations and Characterization Strategies, a Comprehensive Review. Discover Applied Sciences 2024; 6: 279.
[14] Duong VA, Nguyen TT, Maeng HJ. Preparation of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Drug Delivery and the Effects of Preparation Parameters of Solvent Injection Method. Molecules. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2020; 25(20): 4781.
[15] Shirodkar RK, Kumar L, Mutalik S, Lewis S. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: Emerging Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems. Pharm. Chem. J. 2019; 53: 440-453.
[16] Battaglia L, Gallarate M, Panciani PP, Ugazio E, Sapino S, Peira E. Techniques for The Preparation of Solid Lipid Nano and Microparticles. Application of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery. 2014.
[17] Sastri KT, Radha GV, Pidikiti S., Vajjhala P. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Preparation Techniques, Their Characterization, and an Update on Recent Studies. J. Appl. Pharm. Sci. 2020; 10(6): 126-141.
[18] Parhi R, Suresh P. Preparation and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles-A Review. Curr. Drug Discov. Technol. 2012; 9(1): 2-16.
[19] Hernández-Esquivel R. A., Navarro-Tovar G, Zárate-Hernández E, Aguirre-Banuelos P. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Nanocomposite Materials for Biomedical and Energy Storage Applications. 2022.
[20] Mulla JAS, Sarasija S., Khazi IM. Formulation, Characterization and in vitroEvaluation of Methotrexate Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. Research J. Pharm. and Tech., 2009; 2 (4).
[21] Patil P, Harak K. A Review on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. Journal Drug Delivery and Therapeutics2019; 9(3):525-530.
[22] Ghasemiyeh P, Samani S. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as Novel Drug Delivery System Application: Advantages and Disadvantages. Research in Pharmaceutical Science. 2018; 13(4):288-303.
[23] Verma S, Makkar D. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: A Comprehensive Review. J. Chem. Pharm. Res. 2016; 8(8):102-114.
[24] Mulla JS, Khazi IM, Sharma NK, Hiremath SP, Jamakandi VG. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Methods of Preparation. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2011; 3(3): 170-175.
[25] Lavate MA, Karpe ST, Biradar SN, Bhandare MR. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: As A Promising Drug Delivery Method To Get Greater Bioavailability: A Review. World Journal of Biology, Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 2023; 14(02), 072–080.
[26] Reddy Matta VD. A Concise Review on Preparation Methods Used For the Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. Journal of Drug Delivery & Therapeutics. 2021; 11(1-s):162-169.
[27] Nemati S, Mottaghi M, Karami P, Mirjalali H. Development of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Loaded Drugs in Parasitic Diseases. Discover Nano. 2024.19:7.
[28] Mulla JS, Khazi IM. Influence of Process Variables on Particle Size of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2009; 1(1): 47-49.
[29] Ludtke F, Silva T, Silva M. A review on Lipid Nanoparticles Formulation, Production, Methods and Characterization Protocols. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2025; 14:973.
[30] Mulla JS, Khazi IM, Sharma NK. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Measures of Characterization. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2011; 3(4): 259-264
[31] Pandey S, Shaikh F. A. Gupta. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Effective Drug Delivery. Adv. Pharm. Bull.2022; 12(1), 17-33.
[32] P. Vijayanand, V. Jyothi, N. Aditya, A. Mounika. Development and Characterization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles Containing Herbal Extract: InVivo Antidepressant Activity. Journal of Drug Delivery. 2018.
[33] Liu M, Wen J, Sharma M. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Drug Delivery: Mechanisms, Dosage Form Perspectives, and Translational Status. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 2020; 26: 3203-3217.
[34] Kadam SS, Mulla JA. Design, Development and Evaluation of Etodolac-Loaded Chitosan-Based Nanogel for Topical Drug Delivery. Hacettepe University Journal of the Faculty of Pharmacy. 2025; 45(2): 146-161.
[35] Chakorkar SS, Mulla JAS. Cubosome-based Corticosteroidal Drug Delivery System for Sustained Ocular Delivery: A Pharmacokinetic Investigation. Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Education and Research. 2024 May 27; 58(2s):s502-14.
[36] Gugleva V, Andonova V. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Nanostructured Lipid Carriers as Ocular Drug Delivery Platforms. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2023; 16: 474.
[37] Leong, EWX. Lipid Nanoparticles as Delivery Vehicles for Inhaled Therapeutics. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2022; 10: 2179.
[38] Mulla JS, Khazi IM, Jamakandi VG. Solid lipid nanoparticles: Potential Applications. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2010; 2(3): 82-87.
[39] Mujawar N, Mulla JAS. Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles in Cancer Therapy: A Promising Nanotechnology-Based Drug Delivery System. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research. 2025; 17(4): 371-387.
[40] Sivadasan D, Ramakrishanan K., Mahendran J. Solid Lipid Nanoparticle: Application and Prospects in Cancer Treatments. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2023; 24:6199.
[41] Mulla JAS, Kapse MV. Exploring nanomedicine in cancer: Diagnosis, treatment and its potential applications. IP Journal of Diagnostic Pathology and Oncology. 2024; 9(2): 86-94.
[42] Mulla JAS. Molecular Pharmacology of Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Mechanisms, targets, and therapeutic implications. World Journal of Molecular Pharmacology. 2024; 1(1): 16-23.
[43] Mulla JAS, Chalke PM, Londhe SP, Patil MA, Nalawade SN, Sawant RR. Design and OptimiZation of Nanosponges of Poorly Soluble Voriconazole Using Central Composite Design. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2023; 15(4): 189-199.
[44] Nazari M, Hosseini S. Evaluation of Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Efficacy of Gentamicin-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles against AcinetobacterBaumannii Infection. BMC Chemistry. 2025; 19:269.
[45] Hassan H, Bello R, Adam S. Acyclovir-Loaded Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: optimization, Characterization and Evaluation of its Pharmacokinetics Profile. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2020.
[46] Satapathy M, Jan J, Taliyan R. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: An Advanced Drug Delivery System Targeting the Brain through the BBB. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2021; 13:1183.
[47] Shirke SN, Mulla JAS. Intranasal Nanoemulsion for Brain Targeting: A Review. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2023; 15(1): 1-11.
[48] Subroto E, Andoyo R, Indiarto R. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Review of the Current Research on Encapsulation and Delivery Systems for Active and Antioxidant Compounds. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. 2023; 12, 633.
[49] Mulla JAS. Smart Delivery of Herbal Extracts: Controlled Release and Targeted Therapy. Indian Journal of Novel Drug Delivery. 2025;17(1):1-11.

