Production Techniques of Lipid Nanoparticles: A Review

Abstract

Different production methods have been developed for lipid nanoparticles and most of the methods use two basic steps; emulsification and size reduction to nano size. Homogenization techniques are most frequently employed using hot and cold homogenization or ultrasonication for the production. On the other hand, few methods based on emulsification are also applied used earlier for polymeric nanoparticle production. Hot high pressure homogenization and ultrasonication are most commonly used method with scale up feasibility but costly equipment is biggest drawback. Other methods used to produce lipid nanoparticles are possible in a laboratory setup with no expensive equipments are needed but scale up is still a problem with such method along with regulatory problems associated with high surfactants concentrations in these formulations. This review focus on different methods used for lipid nanoparticles production with their procedure, advantages and disadvantages associated with them. Furthermore, a comparison of the all commonly used methods is also summarized in this review.