Low-density lipoprotein: a versatile nanoscale platform for targeted delivery

Abstract

Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) is a small lipoprotein that plays a vital role in controlling lipid metabolism. LDL has a delicate nanostructure with unique physicochemical properties: superior payload capacity, long residence time in circulation, excellent biocompatibility, smaller size, and natural targeting. In recent decades, the superiority and feasibility of LDL particles as targeted delivery carriers have attracted much attention. In this review, we introduce the structure, composition, advantages, defects, and reconstruction of LDL delivery systems, summarize their research status and progress in targeted diagnosis and therapy, and finally look forward to the clinical application of LDL as an effective delivery vehicle.

Fig. 1. General structure diagram of LDL.

Fig. 2. Schematic diagram of LDLR mediated endocytosis.

Fig. 3. Three methods for cargo carrying in LDL. (A) Loading in the hydrophobic core; (B) inserting into the phospholipid monolayer; (C) binding to the apolipoprotein.

Fig. 4. Strategy for synthesizing nLDL.

Fig. 5. Representative cargoes in the LDL-mediated targeted delivery system for diagnosis and therapy.