Lipid-Based Nanocarriers for Targeted Drug and Nutraceutical Delivery: Development, Characterization, Applications, and Industrial Challenges

Background: Traditional drug delivery systems often face problems like low permeability, quick metabolism, poor targeting, and lower effectiveness. Lipid-based carriers, due to their unique chemical structure, ability to break down over time, and compatibility with the body, provide a helpful way to improve drug absorption, protect active molecules from breaking down, and reduce toxicity through controlled distribution and targeted delivery. Aim: This article aims to give a clear overview of lipid-based systems for delivering drugs and nutraceuticals, focusing on their development, how they are characterized, their applications, and the challenges faced in industry. Objectives: The objectives include discussing different types of lipid-based carriers, methods for characterization, the delivery of plant-derived bioactive using lipid-based systems, their applications in managing metabolic disorders, how targeted and controlled release works, and the role of artificial intelligence in improving formulations. Conclusion: Lipid-based delivery systems are a flexible and effective way to improve the delivery of drugs and nutraceuticals by enhancing bioavailability, enabling targeted release, and reducing toxicity. Despite the progress made, issues related to stability, scalability, regulatory approval, and industrial manufacturing still exist. This underscores the need for better lipid engineering and AI-driven formulation methods for future advancements.