Glyceryl Monostearate-Based Nanostructured Lipid Carriers: A Comparative Review of Formulation Strategies and Performance Evaluation
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Abstract
Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) represent a second-generation lipid nanocarrier technology designed to address the limitations of solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), particularly their low drug-loading capacity and instability. This comprehensive review evaluates the role of glyceryl monostearate (GMS) as the primary solid lipid component in NLC systems. It analyzes formulation strategies, physicochemical characteristics, and performance outcomes of GMS-based NLCs. Relevant literature published between 2015 and 2025 was systematically collected from prominent scientific databases and critically assessed based on formulation composition, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency (EE), drug loading (DL), and biological performance. The reviewed studies underscore the significant influence of lipid ratios, surfactant selection, and preparation methods on NLCs characteristics. GMS forms a semi-crystalline matrix that facilitates drug accommodation and minimizes drug expulsion. In summary, GMS-based NLCs exhibit substantial potential to enhance the bioavailability, stability, and controlled-release properties of lipophilic compounds for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical applications.
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