Lipid nanoparticles: Composition, formulation, and application

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are lead non-viral vectors for delivering nucleic acids. LNPs can efficiently encapsulate nucleic acids, protect them from degradation, enhance cellular uptake and induce endosome escape, which show high transfection efficiency and low immunogenicity. In this review, we first introduce the LNP components, highlighting their critical roles in encapsulation, stability, delivery efficiency, and tissue tropism. Next, we summarize different techniques for LNP formulation with a focus on their advantages and disadvantages. Then, we discuss the diverse applications of LNPs in preclinical and clinical studies. Finally, we provide perspectives in the future development of LNPs.