A REVIEW OF LIPID-POLYMER HYBRID NANOPARTICLES AS A NEW GENERATION DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNs) are next-generation core-shell nanoparticle structures comprising polymer cores and lipid/lipid–PEG shells, which produce complementary characteristics of both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes, specifically in terms of their physical stability and biocompatibility. Recently the LPNs have been shown to have superior in vivo cellular delivery efficacy compared to that obtained from polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. Since their inception, the LPNs have advanced significantly in terms of their preparation strategy and scope of applications. LPN preparation has undergone a significant shift from the traditional two-step method to the now widely used two-step method, which is more complex principal-wise and yet easy to perform, relying on self-assembly of lipid and polymer. This has resulted in a better product and high production throughput as well. Unlike the initial days when LPNs were used mainly for single drug delivery in anticancer therapy, now they are widely used in combinatorial and active drug targeted delivery, delivery of genetic material, vaccines, and in advanced diagnostic procedures as well. This review throws light on the most recent state of development of the preparation and application of LPNs and the future works to be done to make the LPNs more affordable and reliable for their widespread use and to use their full potential for the betterment of mankind.