Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPHN)

A lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (LPHN) is a sophisticated drug delivery platform that integrates the mechanical stability of polymeric nanoparticles with the biomimetic properties of lipid-based systems (Zhang et al., 2008). These carriers typically consist of a hydrophobic polymeric core that encapsulates the therapeutic agent, an inner lipid monolayer that stabilizes the core-shell interface, and an outer lipid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) layer that provides biocompatibility and prolonged systemic circulation (Hadinoto et al., 2013). By combining these materials, LPHNs achieve high encapsulation efficiency, tunable drug release kinetics, and enhanced stability compared to traditional liposomes (Mandal et al., 2013). Although they are not biological targets themselves, they are critical for the delivery of diverse payloads, including chemotherapeutics like paclitaxel and genetic materials like siRNA, to specific disease sites (Dave et al., 2017). Their surface can be functionalized with ligands to target specific cell surface receptors, thereby improving the therapeutic index of the cargo (Mura et al., 2013). LPHNs are extensively researched for applications in oncology and infectious diseases due to their ability to overcome biological barriers and minimize off-target toxicity (Tahertam et al., 2021).

Other names

Polymer/lipid nanoparticle carrierHybrid lipid-polymer nanoparticlePLNPPolymeric-lipid nanocarrier

Facilitates the delivery of therapeutic agents by protecting them from degradation, extending circulation time, and promoting cellular uptake through endocytosis or membrane fusion (Zhang et al., 2008).