Self-Assembly of Lipid Particles for the Delivery of Nutraceuticals and Nanonutraceuticals

This chapter discusses the essentials of lipid self-assembly and addresses mechanisms, thermodynamics, and principles of lipid structure formation in micelles, bilayers, and vesicles. The critical packing parameter (CPP) is presented as a predictive tool for lipid morphology based on lipid composition and conditions. This chapter presents an overview of various types of lipid-based delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), with special reference to their strengths, weaknesses, and encapsulation mechanisms that improve the bioavailability of nutraceuticals by at least tenfold. It explains the function of lipid carriers in protecting sensitive molecules, improving absorption, and delivering through targeting. The use of such systems in the delivery of bioactive compounds such as curcumin, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics is discussed, covering issues of stability, regulation, and consumer acceptability. Challenges related to stability, safety and regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance are also addressed. This chapter concludes by speculating future directions in lipid-based delivery of nutraceuticals, such as green synthesis, intelligent nanocarriers, personalized nutrition, and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) to expand formulation development, and posits that sustained innovation will be vital to realize maximum health benefit in the nutraceutical industry.