A Review of Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLCs) and Their Applications in Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics

Abstract

Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC) are a new generation of lipid-based nanocarrier systems composed of a mixture of solid and liquid lipids, forming a less ordered lipid matrix compared to Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs). Due to this structural characteristic, NLC exhibit improved drug loading capacity, enhanced stability, controlled drug release, and increased bioavailability. In addition, NLC possess several advantages, including high biocompatibility, biodegradability, and improved permeation across biological barriers. However, this system still presents certain limitations, such as polymorphic instability, formulation challenges, and insufficient long-term safety data. Currently, NLC have been widely investigated and applied in pharmaceutical fields through various administration routes, including oral, injectable, transdermal, nasal, and ocular delivery, while also demonstrating potential in gene delivery and cancer therapy. Owing to these promising characteristics, NLC are considered one of the most potential nanocarrier systems in modern pharmaceuticals.