Ophthalmic applications of lipid-based drug nanocarriers: an update of research and patenting activity.

Ophthalmic diseases collect great attention by researchers and pharmaceutical technologists, since they can dramatically worsen the quality of life. Because of the limited duration of action on the eye surface, and anatomical/physiological barriers to drug penetration from it into the inner eye structures, conventional ocular formulations are generally unable to perform at their best. Nanotechnology approaches can represent a solution to improve the therapeutic efficiency, compliance and safety of ocular drugs. In this respect, lipid-based nanocarriers are among the most interesting systems. Their composition and production methods make them highly biocompatible and safe formulations. This review illustrates the developments achieved in ocular drug delivery using lipid-based nanocarriers, with a critical revision of recent scientific articles and filed patents.