Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Fundamentals, Design and Applications
Chapter 7 - Applications of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles in Oral Drug Delivery
Shivani Chandrakant Kavane, Poonam N. Chougule, Ganesh H. Wadkar
Abstract:
Oral drug administration continues to be the most commonly utilized route due to its non-invasive nature, ease of use, affordability, and strong patient adherence. However, this method is not without limitations, as the gastrointestinal (GI) tract presents numerous physiological and chemical barriers. Variables such as digestive enzymes, pH fluctuations, and poor membrane permeability can reduce drug absorption and compromise targeted delivery. To overcome these challenges, solid lipid-based nanoparticles (SLBNs) have emerged as promising solutions, offering advantages over traditional delivery vehicles like liposomes, emulsions, and polymer-based nanoparticles. Within this category, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have shown notable potential. Their success lies in their inherent properties, including excellent biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of large-scale production, and flexible formulation design. Owing to their lipid matrix, these carriers are particularly effective for oral delivery, where they enhance drug solubility, stability, and facilitate sustained or controlled drug release. In the context of oral therapeutics, lipid-based nanoparticles are increasingly used to improve the gastrointestinal uptake of active compounds. Their ability to interact with the intestinal mucosa aids in absorption, while their nanoscale dimensions and surface properties contribute to prolonged GI retention and improved bioavailability. This chapter explores the development, functionality, and clinical relevance of SLNs for oral drug delivery, emphasizing their role in addressing conventional limitations and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Keywords: Solid lipid nanoparticle, oral drug delivery, biological barriers, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability.
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