Submicron Lipid Emulsions: A Versatile Platform for Drug Delivery

Lipid emulsions have turned out to be a versatile tool for systemic delivery of poorly soluble drugs and cytotoxic drugs. Currently, the majority of marketed or developing drugs are recognized as BCS II and IV ones. How to solve the solubility and systemic administration that enables them access to clinical application is arising a great challenge in drug delivery systems. The key considerations for lipid emulsions are how to enhance the drug load, stability and reproducibility. Formulation and manufacture technique play the leading role in development of lipid emulsions. Understanding the biofate and characterization in vitro/vivo is suggestive to exploit the potential of lipid emulsions. This review discussed the manufacture techniques and in vivo behavior of lipid emulsions. Momentous interests were focused on their applications in drug delivery as well as the future evolution. Finally, we appreciated the methodologies of quality control and systemic risks associated with lipid emulsions.