Lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers: Insights into synthesis aspects, characterization, release mechanisms, surface functionalization and potential implications

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHN) are novel systems which are potentially emerging in the era of nanomedicine. They are core-shell nanostructures which comprise of polymer and phospholipids used in the preparation of polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes respectively. This combinatorial venture bequeaths combined attributes of nanoparticles and liposomes with respect to enhanced stability, biocompatibility and cellular uptake. Current review encompasses deeper insights into the types of LPHN, synthesis aspects and their characterization, release mechanisms and surface functionalization. The article potentiates the noteworthy applications of LPHN in the field of drug delivery and targeting along with the hurdles hindering their transition from bench to bedside. The scope of LPHN in various fields and their tunability towards various applications have been depicted.

Automated summary

Lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHN) are novel nanosystems with combined attributes of enhanced stability, biocompatibility and cellular uptake. This review provides deeper insights into the types, synthesis, release mechanisms and surface functionalization of LPHN, as well as their significant applications in drug delivery and targeting.