A Review on Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Preparation Methods, Evaluation, and Therapeutic Potential

Abstract

Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN) have emerged as a promising nanocarrier system in modern drug delivery, offering improved bioavailability, controlled drug release, and enhanced therapeutic efficacy. These colloidal carriers, composed of biocompatible solid lipids stabilized by surfactants, overcome the limitations associated with traditional delivery systems such as liposomes and polymeric nanoparticles. SLN provide advantages including reduced toxicity, enhanced stability, and the ability to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. This review comprehensively discusses the structural models, formulation components, preparation techniques, and physicochemical characterization of SLN. It further highlights their wide-ranging therapeutic applications in oncology, infectious diseases, central nervous system disorders, cosmetics, and gene delivery. Despite challenges such as drug expulsion, limited drug loading, and scale-up issues, recent advancements including nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), stimuli-responsive systems, and AI-driven formulation design have significantly improved their performance. Overall, SLN represent a versatile and efficient platform for next-generation drug delivery and translational nanomedicine

Keywords: Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLN), Nanostructured Lipid Carriers (NLC), Controlled Drug Delivery, Nanotechnology, Drug Loading, Targeted Drug Delivery, Biocompatible Lipids, Pharmacokinetics.