Ophthalmic applications of lipid-based drug nanocarriers: an update of research and patenting activity

Ophthalmic diseases collect great attention by researchers and pharmaceuticaltechnologists, since they can dramatically worsen the quality of life. Because of thelimited duration of action on the eye surface, and anatomical/physiological barriers todrug penetration from it into the inner eye structures, conventional ocular formulationsare generally unable to perform at their best. Nanotechnology approaches canrepresent a solution to improve the therapeutic efficiency, compliance and safety ofocular drugs. In this respect, lipid-based nanocarriers are among the most interestingsystems. Their composition and production methods make them highly biocompatibleand safe formulations. This review illustrates the developments achieved in oculardrug delivery using lipid-based nanocarriers, with a critical revision of recent scientificarticles and filed patents.

Therapeutic Delivery