Recent advancements in lipid based nanocarrier systems for the treatment of wounds

Abstract

Wound healing is a complex and dynamic process that involves a well-coordinated interaction between various immunological and biological systems. Various active pharmaceutical ingredients delivered in the form of ointments and creams are available in the market. However, the major setbacks associated with these delivery systems include poor permeation and rapid degradation of active pharmaceutical ingredients in harsh wound environment. Therefore lipid-based nanocarrier systems have emerged as a promising approach for topical drug delivery in wound healing. The major advantages associated with these carriers are biocompatibility, biodegradability, high encapsulation efficiency, enhanced cellular uptake, controlled-release profile, and better tissue penetration. Moreover, lipid-based nanocarriers can accommodate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic therapeutic molecules, including small molecules, proteins, peptides, and growth factors, depending on the nature and content of lipids used to prepare lipid-based nanocarriers. Recently, lipid nanoparticles have been extensively explored for mRNA delivery, which upregulate/downregulate the target proteins that aid in accelerated healing in chronic wounds. This chapter summarizes the recent advancements in lipid-based nanocarriers in delivering small molecules and macromolecules for treating various types of wounds.