Nanocochleate-Based Drug Delivery Systems

Nanocochleates are lipid-based nanostructures characterised by spirally rolled bilayers that form rod- or cigar-shaped particles, typically stabilised by divalent cations such as calcium. Their unique architecture endows them with exceptional physical and chemical stability, enabling protection of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs from degradation in harsh biological environments. The tight packing of bilayers minimises leakage, while surface modification—through polymers or targeting ligands—permits controlled release and site-specific delivery. Applications span oral, parenteral and mucosal administration, with demonstrated benefits in improving bioavailability, prolonging circulation time and enhancing cellular uptake. Nanocochleates have been explored for the delivery of small-molecule therapeutics, peptides, nucleic acids and vaccine antigens. Their low immunogenicity, capacity for large-scale production and versatile formulation methods signal significant potential for addressing global challenges in infectious disease treatment, cancer therapy and gene delivery.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Innovative formation of positively charged polymer-induced nanocochleates has been shown to enhance oral bioavailability of poorly permeable drugs. A pioneering study demonstrated that chitosan-driven assembly of anionic lipids yielded uniform cochleate-like particles without calcium, achieving a three-fold increase in systemic exposure to a model immunosuppressant. Mechanistic investigations revealed uptake by intestinal epithelial cells through clathrin- and caveolae-mediated pathways, accompanied by transient modulation of tight junction proteins. This polymer-induced approach offers a scalable alternative to traditional cation-mediated cochleation, paving the way for oral delivery of compounds that otherwise require parenteral administration.

Nanocochleate-Based Drug Delivery Systems publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanocochleate-based drug delivery systems across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanocochleate: A spiral-rolled lipid bilayer nanoparticle stabilised by cations or polymers, used to encapsulate and protect therapeutic agents.

Encapsulation efficiency: The percentage of drug incorporated into the carrier relative to the total amount used during formulation.

Zeta potential: The electric potential at the slipping plane of a particle in suspension, indicative of colloidal stability and surface charge.

Encochleation: The process of forming nanocochleates by inducing lipid bilayers to roll up into a cochlear structure, entrapping drugs within.

Pharmacokinetic profile: A description of the absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination characteristics of a drug in vivo.

References

1. Nanocochleates: Revolutionizing lipid-based drug delivery with enhanced bioavailability, a review. Hybrid Advances (2024).
2. Chitosan functionalized nanocochleates for enhanced oral absorption of cyclosporine A. Scientific Reports (2017).
3. Stable self-assembled oral metformin-bridged nanocochleates against hepatocellular carcinoma. Drug Delivery and Translational Research (2024).
4. Nanocochleate-based delivery of quercetin with enhanced therapeutic potential: formulation, cytotoxicity and pharmacokinetics study. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences (2024).