Solid lipid nanoparticles - Production, characterization and applications

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) have attracted increasing attention during recent years. This paper presents an overview about the selection of the in gredients, different ways of SLN production and SLN applications. Aspects o f SLN stability and possibilities of SLN stabilization by lyophilization an d spray drying are discussed. Special attention is paid to the relation bet ween drug incorporation and the complexity of SLN dispersions, which includ es the presence of alternative colloidal structures (liposomes, micelles, d rug nanosuspensions, mixed micelles, liquid crystals) and the physical stat e of the lipid (supercooled melts, different lipid modifications). Appropri ate analytical methods are needed for the characterization of SLN. The use of several analytical techniques is a necessity. Alternative structures and dynamic phenomena on the molecular level have to be considered. Aspects of SLN administration and the in vivo fate of the carrier are discussed. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.