Targeting diabetic wounds with nanostructured lipid carriers: A pathogenesis-guided, drug-repurposing approach

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

2-1-2026

Abstract

Diabetic wounds are a major complication of diabetes mellitus, characterized by delayed healing, chronic inflammation, impaired angiogenesis, and microbial colonization. Conventional therapies often fail to address the multifactorial pathogenesis and suffer from poor drug retention, limited penetration, and systemic side effects. Topical drug delivery offers a localized, non-invasive approach to wound management, but its success hinges on overcoming the skin barrier and ensuring sustained therapeutic action. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), composed of solid and liquid lipid blends, have emerged as a promising platform for topical delivery due to their enhanced skin permeation, occlusive properties, and controlled drug release. This review highlights the potential of NLCs in delivering therapeutics directly to diabetic wound sites, aligning drug release profiles with the wound's pathological timeline. Special emphasis is placed on the repurposing of Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) Class IV drugs—agents with poor solubility and permeability but promising pharmacological activity in modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis. By encapsulating these drugs in NLCs, their permeability and therapeutic index can be significantly improved for topical application. We discuss formulation strategies, release mechanisms, and physicochemical considerations for NLC-based topical systems, supported by literature on preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the review explores translational challenges, proposing future directions.

Publication Title

Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology

ISSN

17732247

DOI

10.1016/j.jddst.2025.107923

Volume

116

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