Lipid/Polymer Core-Shell Nanoconstructs for Cancer Theragnostic

Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) represent an advanced platform for drug delivery and cancer theragnostics, combining lipid cores and polymer shells. Solid lipid cores, such as stearic acid and glyceryl monostearate, provide controlled drug release, high drug loading capacity, and enhanced bioavailability. Charged lipid cores, incorporating cationic or anionic lipids like DOPE and PS, improve cellular uptake and targeted delivery. The hybrid cores integrate the structural integrity and prolonged circulation of polymers like PLGA and PEG with the drug encapsulation benefits of lipids. LPHNPs are prepared using methods like nanoprecipitation, emulsification-solvent evaporation, double emulsion, microfluidics, and supercritical fluid techniques, each offering unique advantages. Polymer coatings such as PEG, PLGA, chitosan, and PCL enhance biocompatibility, stability, and controlled release. Surface functionalization strategies, including ligand conjugation, antibody attachment, and stimuli-responsive coatings, enable targeted drug delivery, improved efficacy, and reduced off-target effects. In cancer theranostics, LPHNPs enable targeted drug delivery, multimodal imaging, theranostic capabilities, controlled release, and biomarker detection. These nanoconstructs encapsulate chemotherapeutic drugs and imaging agents, allowing precise tumor targeting, real-time imaging, and treatment monitoring. In this chapter about LPHNPs, we provide a multifaceted approach to cancer treatment, combining therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities to improve efficacy and patient outcomes, representing a significant advancement in precision oncology.