Over the past decade, the therapeutic potential of nanomaterials
as novel drug delivery systems complementing conventional pharmacology
has been widely acknowledged. Among these nanomaterials, lipid-based
nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown remarkable pharmacological performance
and promising therapeutic outcomes, thus gaining substantial interest
in preclinical and clinical research. In this review, we introduce
the main types of LNPs used in drug formulations such as liposomes,
nanoemulsions, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers,
and lipid polymer hybrid nanoparticles, focusing on their main physicochemical
properties and therapeutic potential. We discuss computational studies
and modeling techniques to enhance the understanding of how LNPs interact
with therapeutic cargo and to predict the potential effectiveness
of such interactions in therapeutic applications. We also analyze
the benefits and drawbacks of various LNP production techniques such
as nanoprecipitation, emulsification, evaporation, thin film hydration,
microfluidic-based methods, and an impingement jet mixer. Additionally,
we discuss the major challenges associated with industrial development,
including stability and sterilization, storage, regulatory compliance,
reproducibility, and quality control. Overcoming these challenges
and facilitating regulatory compliance represent the key steps toward
LNP’s successful commercialization and translation into clinical
settings.