Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-Gels for Wound Healing: A Narrative Review of Formulation Strategies, Mechanisms, and Translational Potential

Wound healing is a complex process involving hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling of tissues or cells. In chronic conditions, such as diabetic wounds, this process is often disrupted. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are advantageous topical drug delivery systems because of their ability to improve stability, bioavailability, and controlled drug release. The incorporation of NLCs into a gel matrix (NLC-gel) enhances the formulation with bioadhesive properties, skin hydration, and drug retention in the wound area. This accelerates healing and reduces the risk of infections. While these findings highlight the potential of NLC-gel systems to improve local drug bioavailability and promote tissue regeneration, most available evidence is derived from in vitro and animal studies, and clinical data remain limited. This review critically summarizes recent advances in NLC-gel formulations for wound healing, with particular emphasis on the relationship between formulation strategies and biological mechanisms, including modulation of inflammation, angiogenesis, fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation, collagen deposition, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Additionally, translational considerations such as long-term safety, formulation scalability, and clinical prospects are discussed. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies have shown that NLC gels containing active ingredients, such as simvastatin, curcumin, quercetin, moxifloxacin, or other therapeutic proteins, can accelerate wound healing, particularly in wounds caused by metabolic disorders. These results suggest that NLC gels have great potential as therapeutic platforms for wound care. However, further research is required to optimize its formulation and clinical translation.