Lipid-core nanocapsules: preparation, characterization and biological applications

Lipid-core nanocapsules (LNCs) are core-shell structures, in which the core is an organogel formed by a solid lipid dispersed in a triglyceride, and the shell is a polymer. Those nanocapsules encapsulate poorly-water soluble drugs by dispersion in the core and/or interaction with the polymer. The core and the shell act as diffusional barriers differenting the LNC from previously developed polymeric nanocapsules containing an oily core and a polymer shell, which unique diffusional barrier is the shell. In this review, we discuss the supramolecular structure, the physico-chemical characterization, including sizing, surface potential, fluorescent labeling strategies, as well as the interfacial reactions in water to coat and functionalise the LNC surface. Different organometallic complexes have been synthesized to decorate the nanocapsules envisaging the treatment of atherosclerosis, cancer, mucopolysaccharidosis I, and hypertension. We also describe the main applications of the nanoformulations in the pharmaceutical, medical, and veterinary fields, including in vitro and in vivo evaluations of toxicity and efficacy.