Lipid-based nanosystems for atherosclerosis treatment: Evolving approaches and novel therapeutic strategies

Available online 5 November 2025

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Atherosclerosis, the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, driving the need for innovative therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Lipid-based nanosystems have emerged as promising drug delivery platforms due to their biocompatibility, versatility, and proven clinical track records. Among them, traditional systems such as liposomes have been extensively applied in atherosclerosis therapy, primarily for their well-established safety profile and their capacity to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic agents. However, emerging research has expanded the scope of lipid-based nanosystems to include lipid nanoparticles, lipoprotein-based nanosystems, cell membrane-coated nanosystems, and so on. These systems have demonstrated great promise in addressing the complex and heterogeneous nature of the disease. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of lipid-based nanosystems, from traditional formulations to cutting-edge innovations, and their evolving applications in the treatment of atherosclerosis. We also discuss the challenges associated with the clinical translation of these systems, as well as future prospects for developing more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies. In conclusion, lipid-based nanosystems provide a promising option for atherosclerosis treatment, potentially driving the progress of novel therapeutic strategies.

Graphical abstractLipid-based nanosystems for atherosclerosis treatment, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, lipid-based nanoemulsions, lipid-based nanomicelles, lipid nanoparticles, lipoprotein-based nanosystems, extracellular vesicles, cell membrane-coated nanosystems, and intelligent lipid-based delivery systems.