Particle size and physical state of the lipid phase are major factors influencing the permanence of lipid dispersions. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are a delivery system in which partial-crystallized lipid particles with mean radii ≤ 100 nm are dispersed in an aqueous phase containing emulsifier(s), as a potential delivery system may have some advantages in certain circumstances when compared with other colloidal carriers. NLC are a useful nutraceutical delivery system with high drug loading, encapsulation efficiency and stability. They may increase, bioavailability and stability of bioactive compounds, and shelf-life, consumer acceptability, functionality, nutritional value and safety of food systems, and provide controlled release of encapsulated materials. In this review, beneficial aspects of NLC are presented and valuable information about ingredients, production methods, structure and characteristics of them provided. Moreover, potential applications and disadvantages of NLC as emerging delivery system in food science are introduced. Industrial relevance With the increasing public perception of a strong correlation between food and disease prevention, producers are trying to enrich staple foods and beverages with nutraceuticals and produce functional foods. Nonetheless, fortification of aqueous-based food with many of nutraceuticals is greatly limited owing to their poor water-solubility, chemical instability, and low bioavailability. NLC are a novel nanocarrier that may dispel these limitations, combine the advantages of other lipid nanocarriers and avoid some of their disadvantages. They may be suitable for application within foods and transparent/opaque beverages.

Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC): A potential delivery system for bioactive food molecules

Nanostructured lipid carriers: Promising drug delivery systems for future clinics.

Herbal medicines have been widely used around the world since ancient times. The advancement of phytochemical and phytopharmacological sciences has enabled elucidation of the composition and biological activities of several medicinal plant products. The effectiveness of many species of medicinal plants depends on the supply of active compounds. Most of the biologically active constituents of extracts, such as flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids, are highly soluble in water, but have low absorption, because they are unable to cross the lipid membranes of the cells, have excessively high molecular size, or are poorly absorbed, resulting in loss of bioavailability and efficacy. Some extracts are not used clinically because of these obstacles. It has been widely proposed to combine herbal medicine with nanotechnology, because nanostructured systems might be able to potentiate the action of plant extracts, reducing the required dose and side effects, and improving activity. Nanosystems can deliver the active constituent at a sufficient concentration during the entire treatment period, directing it to the desired site of action. Conventional treatments do not meet these requirements. The purpose of this study is to review nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and herbal medicines.

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Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems and herbal medicines: a review.

Nanotechnology is an innovative approach that has potential applications in nutraceutical research. Phytochemicals have promising potential for maintaining and promoting health, as well as preventing and potentially treating some diseases. However, the generally low solubility, stability, bioavailability and target specificity, together with the side effects seen when used at high levels, have limited their application. Indeed, nanoparticles can increase solubility and stability of phytochemicals, enhance their absorption, protect them from premature degradation in the body and prolong their circulation time. Moreover, these nanoparticles exhibit high differential uptake efficiency in the target cells (or tissue) over normal cells (or tissue) through preventing them from prematurely interacting with the biological environment, enhanced permeation and retention effect in disease tissues and improving their cellular uptake, resulting in decreased toxicity, In this review, we outline the commonly used biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticles including liposomes, emulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, micelles and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles. We then summarize studies that have used these nanoparticles as carriers for epigallocatechin gallate, quercetin, resveratrol and curcumin administration to enhance their aqueous solubility, stability, bioavailability, target specificity and bioactivities.

Liu Wei-na

Papers

Development of a quercetin-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier formulation for topical delivery.