Article ID Journal Published Year Pages File Type
5520981 Drug Discovery Today 2017 7 Pages PDF
Abstract

•LBNs are readily degradable through lipolysis by lipases.•LBNs that survive lipolysis can be translocated to various organs and tissues.•Lipid composition, particle size, surface decorations and protein corona are the main factors influencing in vivo fate of LBNs.•Lipolysis of LBNs in vivo can be visualized by labeling with environment-responsive fluorescent probes.

The in vivo fate of lipid-based nanoparticles (LBNs) is essentially determined by the properties of their lipid compositions. LBNs are rapidly degraded via lipolysis wherever lipases are abundant, especially in the gastrointestinal tract. LBNs that survive lipolysis can be translocated through the circulation to reach terminal organs or tissues. Lipid composition, particle size, and surface decoration, as well as the formation of protein corona, are the main factors influencing the in vivo fate of LBNs. As we discuss here, elucidation of the in vivo fate of LBNs helps weigh the balance between lipolysis and biorecognition, and is emerging as a new field of research.

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Life Sciences Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology Biotechnology
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