Technological advances in science and medicine have completely transformed the way treatments are delivered. One such revolutionary discovery is lipid nanoparticles. These tiny particles are composed of molecules that contain both solid and liquid lipids and are stabilized by emulsifiers or surfactants. Simply put, they are nano-scale carriers that help deliver drugs to targeted cells in the body.
The greatest advantage of lipid nanoparticles is that they release the drug at the right time and place while preserving it. After the first LNP-based drug was approved by the FDA in 2018, research and development in this field rapidly increased. Today, they are being used in cutting-edge medical fields such as mRNA vaccines, cancer treatment, gene therapy, and genome editing.
What are lipid nanoparticles?
Lipid nanoparticles are spherical structures ranging in size from 10 to 1000 nanometers. They contain components such as phospholipids, cholesterol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and ionizable or cationic lipids. This unique structure distinguishes them from other liposome technologies.
Their unique feature is that they can encapsulate plasmid DNA, RNA, or other medicinal substances and safely deliver them to target cells. When LNPs come into contact with cell membranes, they easily penetrate them, as human cell membranes are also composed of lipids. Once inside, the lipid layer dissolves, and the drug is released within the cell.
This entire process is called a drug delivery system or nanomedicine—where lipid nanoparticles act as a protective medium.
Types of LNPs: Solid and Nanostructured Carriers
There are two main types of LNPs—
- Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs): Their structure is crystalline and organized.
- Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs): Their structure is slightly disordered, but they have been found to be more effective in drug absorption and delivery.
In both these systems, the hydrophobic (water-repelling) and hydrophilic (water-repelling) portions of the lipids self-assemble, forming stable nanoparticles.
Advantages of LNPs over Previous Technologies
Previously, polymer or protein-based systems were used for drug delivery, but they had several limitations. LNPs solved these problems because they can bind nucleic acids (such as RNA or DNA) with high efficiency and deliver them safely to target cells.
Customizing the receptors on the surface of LNPs allows them to be directed to specific cells. This not only increases the efficacy of the drug but also strengthens the immune system’s response. Furthermore, LNPs have much lower cytotoxicity and immunogenicity than viral carrier systems, meaning they do not cause unwanted reactions in the body.
History of Lipid Nanoparticles
The history of LNPs began with the discovery of liposomes in 1965. Liposomes were the first nanomedicine platform capable of carrying both water-soluble and insoluble molecules. Over time, scientists developed solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, which possessed ever-improved stability and targeting capabilities.
The advancement of these systems is closely linked to the development of mRNA technology. Following the FDA approval of Onpattro (siRNA-based drug) in 2018, the field gained tremendous momentum, and LNPs became globally popular with the COVID-19 vaccine.
Key Uses of LNPs: New Directions in Modern Medicine
1. The Role of LNPs in mRNA Vaccines
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines highlighted the power of lipid nanoparticles. In mRNA vaccines, a fragment of RNA is delivered into the body’s cells, where it mimics the virus’s proteins. This process trains the body’s immune system so that it is prepared when the actual virus arrives.
RNA is inherently unstable, so LNPs are used to provide protection. LNPs encapsulate the RNA within their lipid layers and deliver it to specific cells. Once there, the RNA does not enter the nucleus but instead performs its function in the cytoplasm, maintaining protection.
2. Use of LNPs in Cancer Therapy
Lipid nanoparticles have significantly improved the effectiveness of drugs in cancer treatment. When anti-cancer drugs are encapsulated in LNPs, they are prevented from breaking down in the blood and are able to reach tumor cells directly.
Additionally, LNPs can be attached to their surface with antibodies or peptides that specifically recognize cancer cells. This ensures that the drug reaches only the diseased cells and does not harm healthy cells. This precision makes them a key component of modern cancer therapy.and story time can be shown.
- High School: For older children, color-coded schedules can be created that clearly distinguish between subjects or tasks.
- At Home: Families can create visual lists of morning, afternoon, and evening activities to simplify their daily routine.
- Special Education Center: Object-based schedules are appropriate for early learners, while realistic photo schedules are more effective for older children.
All these examples illustrate that visual schedules bring discipline and coherence not only to education but also to family life.
Teaching Resilience to Change
A major benefit of visual schedules is that they teach children to be flexible to change. Initially, when teachers or parents gradually introduce new activities, children learn to accept the changes positively.
Sometimes, deliberately introducing small variations in the schedule can help teach them that changes in life are normal. When children learn to understand changes through visual schedules, they respond better to real-life situations.
Conclusion: A Step Toward Independence and Self-Confidence
Visual schedules are not just a learning tool for children with autism, but also an important step toward independent living. These schedules guide children in their daily activities, make them feel safe, and strengthen their self-confidence.
When parents and teachers consistently adopt these visual strategies, not only does the child’s quality of life improve but also their social, educational, and personal development open up the way.
