Nanoemulsions are nanoscale droplets (20-200 nm) of one liquid phase dispersed in another immiscible
phase, enhancing the delivery of poorly soluble drugs or ingredients. BOC Sciences offers Nanoemulsions
Services, specializing in the formulation, characterization, and optimization of nanoemulsions for drug
delivery and therapeutic applications.
Lipid micelles are tiny, spherical structures composed of lipid molecules that spontaneously self-assemble
in aqueous solutions. These micelles typically form when lipids, such as phospholipids or surfactants,
arrange themselves into a bilayer with their hydrophobic tails facing inward and the hydrophilic heads
facing outward. Lipid micelles are widely used in drug delivery systems, as they can encapsulate
hydrophobic drugs in their core, improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble
drugs. They are also used in cosmetics and skincare products for controlled release of active ingredients.
Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are nanocarriers composed of solid lipids that are stabilized in an
aqueous environment. Unlike micelles, SLNs are solid at room temperature and have a lipid matrix that
allows for the encapsulation of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. SLNs are used in pharmaceutical
and cosmetic formulations for controlled drug release, enhanced stability, and targeted delivery. They
offer advantages such as low toxicity, biocompatibility, and the ability to protect sensitive drugs from
degradation, making them ideal for drug delivery, skin care products, and vaccine formulations.
Exosomes are small, membrane-bound vesicles that are naturally released from various types of cells into
the extracellular space. They range in size from 30 to 150 nm and play a key role in intercellular
communication by transferring proteins, lipids, RNA, and other molecules between cells. Exosomes are
increasingly recognized for their potential in drug delivery, as they can be engineered to carry
therapeutic agents such as RNA, proteins, or drugs to specific target cells. Their biocompatibility,
ability to evade immune detection, and natural origin make them promising candidates for various
therapeutic applications, including cancer treatment, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine.
Lipid drug conjugates (LDCs) are a class of therapeutic agents where lipids are chemically conjugated to
drugs to improve their pharmacokinetics, solubility, and delivery efficiency. By attaching lipids to
drugs, LDCs can enhance the drug's ability to cross biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier,
or improve its accumulation at the target site. These conjugates can also help in reducing off-target
effects and increasing the stability of the drug. LDCs are being explored in the treatment of diseases
like cancer, where they can be used to target specific cells more effectively and reduce side effects.