Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Preparation Methods and Therapeutic Potential in Oral Cancer

Introduction: Tobacco and alcohol consumption are major risk factors for oral cancer, which affects the mouth, lips, tongue, cheeks, and throat. This malignancy is characterized by abnormal cell growth driven by genetic and epigenetic alterations. Conventional treatment approaches face several limitations, necessitating a multidisciplinary strategy. Solid Lipid Nanoparticles (SLNs) have emerged as a promising therapeutic platform for enhancing treatment outcomes. Objective: This review examines the potential of SLNs in oral cancer management, focusing on their preparation techniques and therapeutic advantages in improving drug delivery and efficacy. Methods: Various methods exist for SLN preparation, including high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication/high-speed homogenization, solvent evaporation, solvent emulsificationevaporation, solvent emulsification-diffusion, supercritical fluid technology, double emulsion, microemulsion-based techniques, spray drying, phase inversion, and coacervation methods. Results and Discussion: SLNs, due to their nanoscale size, enable targeted drug delivery, improving bioavailability while minimizing systemic side effects. They address challenges such as poor drug solubility and ensure sustained drug release for prolonged therapeutic action. Furthermore, SLNs can encapsulate a variety of anticancer agents, making them a versatile and effective option for oral cancer therapy. Conclusion: SLNs offer a promising strategy for overcoming the challenges associated with oral cancer treatment. Their ability to enhance drug stability, bioavailability, and controlled release makes them a superior alternative to conventional therapies. The versatility of SLNs in encapsulating diverse anticancer agents highlights their potential for innovative, well-tolerated, and more effective treatment solutions, signifying a major advancement in oral cancer management.