Core-shell-type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles as a drug delivery platform

The focus of nanoparticle design over the years has evolved toward more complex nanoscopic core-shell architecture using a single delivery system to combine multiple functionalities within nanoparticles. Core-shell-type lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (CSLPHNs), which combine the mechanical advantages of biodegradable polymeric nanoparticles and biomimetic advantages of liposomes, have emerged as a robust and promising delivery platform. In CSLPHNs, a biodegradable polymeric core is surrounded by a shell composed of layer(s) of phospholipids. The hybrid architecture can provide advantages such as controllable particle size, surface functionality, high drug loading, entrapment of multiple therapeutic agents, tunable drug release profile, and good serum stability. This review focuses on current research trends on CSLPHNs including classification, advantages, methods of preparation, physicochemical characteristics, surface modifications, and immunocompatibility. Additionally, the review deals with applications for cancer chemotherapy, vaccines, and gene therapeutics. (C) 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.