Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Gels for Wound Healing: A Narrative Review
Summary: 2026 narrative review explores nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) in gel form for wound healing applications. NLCs: Hybrid lipid nanoparticles (solid/liquid lipids) overcome SLN limitations (higher loading, stability, sustained release). Gels provide occlusive/moist environment, ease of application, prolonged contact. Benefits: Enhanced encapsulation/protection of actives (curcumin, silver, growth factors, antibiotics), improved skin penetration, controlled release, reduced dosing frequency. Evidence: In vitro/in vivo studies show anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial effects, accelerated closure, collagen deposition, angiogenesis in chronic models (diabetic, burn, infected wounds). Advantages over conventional gels: Better bioavailability, targeted delivery, minimized side effects. Challenges: Scalability, regulatory hurdles, long-term safety. Positions NLC gels as promising platform for chronic/hard-to-heal wounds; calls for clinical trials and combination therapies (e.g., with synthetics).
Key Highlights:
- Advantages: High loading, sustained release, penetration.
- Applications: Infection/inflammation control, regeneration.
- Future: Personalized, multi-active formulations.
- Relevance: Nano-delivery enhances synthetic/bioactive wound therapies.
Keywords: NLC gels, nanostructured lipid carriers, wound healing delivery, nano therapeutics