Abhijit Paul

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) introduced in 1991 represent an alternative carrier system to traditional colloidal carriers, such as emulsions, liposomes and polymeric micro- and nanoparticles. SLN are aqueous colloidal dispersions, the matrix of which comprises of solid biodegradable lipids. These lipid nanoparticles modify drug release, body distribution and kinetics of associated drugs. solid lipid nanoparticles hold great promise for reaching the goal of controlled and site specific drug delivery and hence have attracted wide attention of researchers. This review presents a broad treatment of solid lipid nanoparticles discussing their advantages, limitations, production techniques, drug incorporation, loading capacity and drug release, characterization and applications. The potential of SLN to be exploited for the different administration routes is highlighted also. Key words:  Solid lipid nanoparticles , colloidal drug carriers, homogenization, Drug Targeting.