title: Lipid nanocarriers (LNC) and their applications in ocular drug delivery.
abstract: The peculiar physio-anatomical structure of the eye and the poor physico-chemical properties of many drug molecules are often responsible for the inefficient treatment of ocular diseases by conventional dosage forms, and justify the development of innovative ocular drug delivery systems. Lipid-based nanocarriers (LNC) are among the newer and interesting colloidal drug delivery systems; they show the capability to improve the local bioavailability of drugs administered by various ocular routes and, therefore, their therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, their extreme biodegradability and biocompatible chemical nature have secured them the title of 'nanosafe carriers.' This review treats the main features of LNC [namely, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) and lipid-drug conjugates (LDC)]; examples and advantages of the application of these colloidal carrier systems for the ophthalmic administration of drugs are presented.
authors: Department of Drug Sciences - University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 6 - 95125 Catania, Italy. capuglia@unict.it.
authors: Carmelo
authors: C
authors: Puglia
authors: Alessia
authors: A
authors: Offerta
authors: Claudia
authors: C
authors: Carbone
authors: Francesco
authors: F
authors: Bonina
authors: Rosario
authors: R
authors: Pignatello
authors: Giovanni
authors: G
authors: Puglisi
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry*; D005123:Eye / Q000378:metabolism*; D005128:Eye Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000737:chemistry*; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods*; D049329:Nanostructures
chemical_list: D004337:Drug Carriers; D008055:Lipids