Recent developments with pH-responsive lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles for targeted bioactive agent delivery

INTRODUCTION: Lyotropic liquid crystalline lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a platform technology with broad-ranging potential in bioactive agent delivery applications. Their biomimetic properties impart the capacity to encapsulate large biomolecules and to overcome biological barriers. AREAS COVERED: The properties of lyotropic liquid crystalline LNPs can vary significantly between phases. We briefly introduce key concepts related to their formation and self-assembly and how ionization at the lipid-water interface, i.e. pH-responsiveness, can be leveraged to alter the properties of the nanoparticles. In this review, we summarize recent advances that highlight the role and impact of incorporating ionizable lipids, copolymers, and drug molecules in pH-responsive nanocarriers for the delivery of bioactive agents. EXPERT OPINION: The development of pH-responsive lipid nanoparticles (pR_LNPs) is at the forefront of the new wave of mRNA therapeutics. The complexity of the biological journey faced by the nanoparticle and the broad spectrum of disease targets is sparking a surge in research activity. The accelerating development of new ionizable lipid materials to enhance mRNA delivery potential may benefit from closer consideration - or in tandem development - of self-assembly, interface ionization, and artificial intelligence integration.