Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN): prediction of toxicity, metabolism, fate and physicochemical properties.

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) gained greater attention as a drug delivery system when in 1991 M€uller developed them [1]. This promising drug carrier system is at the interface in the preexisting lipid systems (emulsions and liposomes) and polymeric nanoparticle systems. Lipid nanoparticles, known as SLNs or nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), have specific features of structure and composition, showing benefits in comparison to conventional formulations [2]. Various controlled drug delivery systems like polymer-based controlledrelease systems, hydrogels, as well as nanoand microparticles have been introduced in recent years in order to improve solubility, stability and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs. In this context, lipid nanoparticles offer attractive and ideal properties for drug or gene delivery.