Many of the desirable flavour and textural attributes of dairy products are due to their lipid components; consequently, milk lipids have, tradi tionally, been highly valued, in fact to the exclusion of other milk components in many cases. Today, milk is a major source of dietary lipids in western diets and although consumption of milk fat in the form of butter has declined in some countries, this has been offset in many cases by increasing consumption of cheese and fermented liquid dairy products. This text on milk lipids is the second in a series entitled Developments in Dairy Chemistry, the first being devoted to milk proteins. The series is produced as a co-ordinated treatise on dairy chemistry with the objective of providing an authoritative reference source for lecturers, researchers and advanced students. The biosynthesis, chemical, physical and nutritional properties of milk lipids have been reviewed in eight chapters by world experts. However, space does not permit consideration of the more product-related aspects of milk lipids which play major functional roles in several dairy products, especially cheese, dehydrated milks and butter.

Efforts to describe and model the molecular structure of biological membranes go back to the beginning of the last century. In 1917, Langmuir described membranes as a layer of lipids one molecule thick [1]. Eight years later, Gorter and Grendel concluded from their studies that "the phospholipid molecules that formed the cell membrane were arranged in two layers to form a lipid bilayer" [2]. Danielli and Robertson proposed, in 1935, a model in which the bilayer of lipids is sequestered between two monolayers of unfolded proteins [3], and the currently still accepted fuid mosaic model was proposed by Singer and Nicolson in 1972 [4]. Among those landmarks of biomembrane history, a serendipitous observation made by Alex Bangham during the early 1960s deserves undoubtedly a special place. His fnding that exposure of dry phospholipids to an excess of water gives rise to lamellar structures [5] has opened versatile experimental access to studying the biophysics and biochemistry of biological phospholipid membranes. Although during the following 4 decades biological membrane models have grown in complexity and functionality [6], liposomes are, besides supported bilayers, membrane nanodiscs, and hybrid membranes, still an indisputably important tool for membrane b- physicists and biochemists. In vol. II of this book, the reader will fnd detailed methods for the use of liposomes in studying a variety of biochemical and biophysical membrane phenomena concomitant with chapters describing a great palette of state-of-the-art analytical technologies.

This volume represents the first attempt to present in one place the clinical syndromes and the pathophysiologic basis for the "resistance states" to each of the classes of steroid hormones. Glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, androgens, estrogens, progesterone and vitamin D have widely diverse roles ranging from the control of homeostasis to reproduction and bone formation. They are similar in that they share a chemical structure and that their action is in the cell nucleus where they induce transcription of specific genes leading to synthesis of function-specific proteins. Clinical syndromes of steroid hormone resistance to androgens (complete and partial testicular feminization), aldosterone (pseudo hypoaldosteronism) and vitamin D (vitamin D-dependent rickets type II) have been known for many years. Progesterone and glucocorticoid resistance syndromes have been described only recently. Resistance to estrogens has not been reported in man or in animals. It is hoped that a detailed reexamination of what is known about each of these conditions at the clinical and molecular levels will enhance our understanding of the function of these hormones and their mechanisms of action. New insight and research initiatives should result. G.P. Chrousos D.L. Loriaus M.B. Lipsett vii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS The contents of this volume are based in part on the proceedings of an International Conference held in Bethesda in the summer of 1984. This conference was sponsored by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland."

Themulticomponentnatureofbiologicalmembranesandtheirintra- andextracel- lar interactions make direct investigations on the membrane structure and processes nearly impossible. Clearly, a better understanding of the membrane properties and the mechanisms determining membrane protein functions is crucial to the imp- mentation of biosensors, bioreactors and novel platforms for medical therapy. For this reason, the interest in model systems suitable for the construction and study of complex lipid/protein membrane architectures has increased steadily over the years. The classical portfolio of model membranes used for biophysical and - terfacial studies of lipid (bi)layers and lipid/protein composites includes Langmuir monolayers assembled at the water/air interface, (uni- and multi-lamellar) vesicles in bulk (liposomal) dispersion, bimolecular lipid membranes (BLMs), and various types of solid-supported membranes. All these have speci?c advantages but also suffer from serious drawbacksthat limit their technical applications. Polymer m- branes comprised of entirely synthetic or hybrid (synthetic polymer/biopolymer) block copolymersappeared to be an attractive alternative to the lipid-based models. Generally, the synthetic block copolymer membranes are thicker and more stable and the versatility of polymer chemistry allows the adoption of relevant properties for a wide range of applications. This volume provides a vast overview of the physico-chemical and synthetic - pectsofarti?cial membranes. Numerousmembranemodelsaredescribed,including their properties(i. e. swelling, drying,lateral mobility,stability, electrical conduct- ity, etc. ), advantages, and drawbacks. The potential applications of these models are discussed and supported by real examples. Chapter 1 summarizesmethodsfor the stabilizationof arti?cial lipid membranes.

Knowledge of cholesterol and its interaction with protein molecules is of fundamental importance in both animal and human biology. This book contains 22 chapters, dealing in depth with structural and functional aspects of the currently known and extremely diverse unrelated families of cholesterol-binding and cholesterol transport proteins. By drawing together this range of topics the Editor has attempted to correlate this broad field of study for the first time. Technical aspects are given considerable emphasis, particularly in relation cholesterol reporter molecules and to the isolation and study of membrane cholesterol- and sphingomyelin-rich "raft" domains. Cell biological, biochemical and clinical topics are included in this book, which serve to emphasize the acknowledged and important benefits to be gained from the study of cholesterol and cholesterol-binding proteins within the biomedical sciences and the involvement of cholesterol in several clinical disorders. It is hoped that by presenting this topic in this integrated manner that an appreciation of the fact that there is much more that needs to be taken into account, studied and understood than the widely discussed "bad and good cholesterol" associated, respectively, with the low- and high-density lipoproteins, LDL and HDL.

In the preface to the Second edition, we made a prediction that many exciting developments would take place in the coming years that would change the face of a new edition. This has indeed been the case and the current edition reflects these new advances. Our picture of the structure of the fatty acid synthetase has changed dramatically, bringing a new concept in enzymology - the multicatalytic polypeptide chain. This new knowledge owes much to the exploitation of genetic mutants, the use of which is undoubtedly going to extend into many other areas of lipid biochemistry. An understanding of the control of lipid metabolism has also advanced considerably during the last decade and we have tried to reflect that here, although it will be some years before a truly integrated picture can be obtained. For this reason we have continued to deal with the control of particular aspects of lipid metabolism - fatty acids, triacylglycerols, lipoprotein- in the specific chapters but we can foresee the time when a chapter on the overall integration of lipid metabolism will be appropriate and feasible. As a particular example, the exciting new concepts of the control of cholesterol metabolism in specific tissues via the interaction of low density lipoproteins with cell surface receptors have been described in Chapter 6.

A symposium was centered around the unsaturated phosphatidyl- choline molecule and organized in order to assemble and coordi- nate theoretical views with facts and results. The presence of a high percentage of essential fatty acids in unsaturated phos- phatidylcholine gave rise to the essential phospholipid concept. An overview of the biological significance of phospholipids and a review of a specific phosphatidylcholine-related enzyme, namely LCAT or lecithin cholesterol acyl transferase, open these proceedings. The simultaneous use of the synonyms - leci- thin and phosphatidylcholine - was solved throughout the pub- lished material by a preferential use of the more precise che- mical terminology of phosphatidylcholine. A set of papers centered around the pharmacology of polyunsa- turated phosphatidylcholine (PU-PC) or essential phospholipids (EPL) is followed by reports on its therapeutic effects. Further papers deal with the metabolism of the arterial wall and the presence of phospholipid related enzyme systems. Some hemody- namic related effects are dealt with in the last section. These proceedings could be edited within a few months thanks to the active cooperation of the authors. The editors are grateful to acknowledge this rather unusual performance which tends to prove the interest of all participants in this sym- posium. It seems logical to presume that the topic itself is an important one and that the meeting was timely organized.

The 15th International Symposium on Plant Lipids was held in Okazaki, Japan, in May 12th to 17th, 2002, at the Okazaki Conference Center. The Symposium was organized by the Japanese Organizing Committee with the cooperation of the Japanese Association of Plant Lipid Researchers. The International Symposium was successful with 225 participants from 29 countries. We acknowledge a large number of participants from Asian countries, in particular, from China, Korea, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand and the Philippines, presumably because this was the fIrst time that the International Symposium on Plant Lipids was held in Asia. We also acknowledge a number of scientists from Canada, France, Germany, UK and USA, where plant lipid research is traditionally very active. The Symposium provided an opportunity for presentation and discussion of 68 lectures and 93 posters in 11 scientific sessions, which together covered all aspects of plant lipid researches, such as the structure, analysis, biosynthesis, regulation, physiological function, environmental aspects, and the biotechnology of plant lipids. In memory of the founder of this series of symposia, the Terry Galliard Lecture was delivered by Professor Ernst Heinz from Universitat: Hamburg, Germany. In addition, special lectures were given by two outstanding scientists from animal lipid fields, Professor James Ntambi from University of Wisconsin, USA, and Dr. Masahiro Nishijima from the National Institute for Infectious Diseases, Japan. To our great honor and pleasure, the session of Lipid Biosynthesis was chaired by Dr.

This book provides a concise introduction to phospholipid chemistry and is intended for a broad audience of biologists, biochemists, and graduate students. Developed as part of a graduate course on lipids, this book also serves as a reference for laboratory investigators on signal transduction and biological membranes. The first part of the text is devoted to an orientation to the chemical nature of lipids in general, how they are thought to be associated in the cell, and the methodology by which the cellular lipids (including the phospholipids) can be recovered from cells and subjected to an initial identification. Subsequent chapters characterize the choline-containing phospholipids, including the sphingolipids, the non-choline containing phospholipids, and finally, the so-called minor phospholipids. The latter compounds, which act as agonists or lipid chemical mediators on cells, form a vanguard of a new category of biologically active substances and have set the study of cellular phospholipids on a new and exiting course. Most importantly, this book provides a basis for further inquiry on these complicated molecules, showing that although the compounds are unique, with care and understanding, they can be studied with ease

An intimate relation between hormones and lipoprotein metabolism has been known for a long time especially from hormone-deficiency or -overproduction syndromes. The mechanisms through which hormones influence lipid metabolism have become a field of major interest in sci ence. The more we learn about cellular hormonal actions the better we understand regulatory processes and phenomena occuring in patients. The present book summarizes data discussed at an International Meet ing at Marburg, Germany, on "Hormones in Lipoprotein Metabolism." It was an attempt to pull together knowledge in basic science from the mode of action of hormones all the way to clinical appearance of hor monal disorders involving lipoprotein metabolism. Thus data on molec ular biology, on hormonal regulation of apolipoprotein synthesis, on lipoprotein receptors and enzyme induction are discussed together with the large field of oral contraceptive use, postmenopausal estrogen sub stitution, lipid disorders in diabetes mellitus, in thyroid dysfunction, in adrenal insufficiency and in glucocorticoid application. We are aware of the fact that such an overview cannot be complete but should serve as a collection of data and ideas for those interested in hormonal regulation of lipid metabolism. We thank all authors for taking an extra effort in writing up their presentations and thus making this edition possible. We also thank Bristol-Myers-Squibb for generous support of the meeting and of the final publication. Marburg, Germany ARMIN STEINMETZ JURGEN SCHNEIDER HANS KAFFARNIK Contents Molecular Biology Chairmen: D. J. Rader, A."

There is increasing evidence for the clinicial value of the apo lipoprotein measurements. Besides cholesterol in plasma and li poprotein fractions, which is currently used as an indicator of cardiovascular risk, the measurement of the AI and B apolipopro teins can provide additional information about the patients' clinical status. Several studies show that apo B is higher and apo AI is lower in patients with angiographically documented coronary heart dis ease than in symptomatic patients without coronary heart disease. Moreover, discriminant analysis indicated that the concentration of Apo AI and B in plasma are better discriminators than lipo protein cholesterol for identifying patients with coronary heart disease. In some studies the apo Bjapo AI ratio appears to be a more powerful predictor than individual lipoproteins. In a recent study carried out in men, apolipoproteins AI and B were better correlated with the severity of cardiovascular disease than HDL and LDL cholesterol. The predictive power of apolipoproteins could however not be demonstrated in all studies and the value of apolipoprotein measurements in the field of clinical chemistry is still controversial. This is probably due to discrepancies between the results of various studies, arising from differences in the type of immunoassays, the lack of universal reference materials, differ ences between study protocols, variations in the selection of patients and in the grading and interpretation of coronary lesions."

Covers the area of lipidomics from fundamentals and theory to applications * Presents a balanced discussion of the fundamentals, theory, experimental methods and applications of lipidomics * Covers different characterizations of lipids including Glycerophospholipids; Sphingolipids; Glycerolipids and Glycolipids; and Fatty Acids and Modified Fatty Acids * Includes a section on quantification of Lipids in Lipidomics such as sample preparation; factors affecting accurate quantification; and data processing and interpretation * Details applications of Lipidomics Tools including for Health and Disease; Plant Lipidomics; and Lipidomics on Cellular Membranes

This detailed book explores examples of current in vitro and in silico techniques that are at the forefront of lipid membrane research today. Beginning with methods and strategies associated with the creation and use of lipid membrane models in various research settings, the volume continues with electrical impedance spectroscopy strategies and methods to identify how ions and proteins interact with model lipid bilayers, guidance on lipid bilayer in silico molecular dynamics modeling, novel techniques to explore lipid bilayer characteristics using neutron scattering, IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as unique fluorescence techniques. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series style, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Membrane Lipids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to further investigate the often complicated world of lipid membrane biophysics.

In recent years, scientific evidence supporting the relationship between diet and health has emerged. This has led to a growing interest in full and healthy food habits, in which fruits and vegetables are abundant (particularly in the Mediterranean diet) and act as sources of natural antioxidants as well as play major roles in preventing certain diseases. It is estimated that 80% of cardiovascular disease, 90% of type 2 diabetes mellitus cases and one third of cancerous processes, could be avoided including changes in lifestyle and diet improvements. Specifically, the increment on scientific reports relating the intake of antioxidant compounds and the maintenance of health has increased noticeably. The importance of dietary antioxidants lies in its ability to preserve foods containing them, and to perform the in vivo contribution of natural antioxidants. There are several scientific studies demonstrating the positive effect of exogenous and endogenous antioxidants against degenerative diseases, various cancers and diseases related to aging caused by oxidative attacks. Lipid peroxidation is thought to be an important factor in the pathophysiology of a number of diseases and in the process of ageing, but its measurement in vivo has been difficult. The aim of this thesis was to evaluate methods for measurement of lipid peroxidation in vivo that are suitable for clinical investigations, and to apply these methods in animal and human studies investigating basal conditions and situations associated with increased lipid peroxidation. Over the course of the past 25 years, more than 3800 articles have been published in the field of IsoP research by numerous investigators around the world. Numerous excellent reviews have been written describing the formation, chemical synthesis, and biological activities of IsoPs, as well as their potential use as biomarkers of diseases. This review will provide a brief historical perspective on the discovery of IsoPs with its primary focus on recent clinical research in the field. In conclusion, the simultaneous measurement of several biomarkers of lipid peroxidation is a promising approach for future studies investigating the possible role of lipid peroxidation in vivo under basal conditions and in the pathology of diseases.

This book presents an overview of sphingolipids: biology, synthesis and functions. The topics analysed in this book cover a broad spectrum of functions played by sphingolipids including: the role of sphingomyelin in the regulation of membrane physical state; tricyclic antidepressants as modulators of sphingolipid turnover and cell sensitivity to insulin action; sphingolipid diversity, biosynthesis and regulation; metabolism of glycolipids at the cell's surface: modulation and functional implications; the specific role of sphingomyelins in cell physiology; the role of sphingosine-based lipids using sphingolipidomics; sphingolipids and ceramides of aqueous humor and trabecular meshwork; the effect of membrane microdomains containing sphingolipids on lipid peroxidation; and roles of sphingolipids in skeletal development and homeostasis.

Oxidative modification of lipids and phospholipids-including radical damage, halogenation, and nitration-result in significant changes to the chemical properties of the molecules, which in turn have a major effect on their biochemical functions. Lipid oxidation has long been regarded as a deleterious process responsible for lipid rancidity, loss of function, and generation of toxic products. However in recent years, research has also focused on the non-detrimental physiological and pathological effects of these chemical reactions. Lipid Oxidation in Health and Disease provides an up-to-date review of the role of oxidized lipid products in physiological and pathophysiological processes. Covering the diverse topics that contribute to research in this important field, this book explores: The mechanisms of lipid oxidation, both enzymatic and non-enzymatic Antioxidant defenses and lipid oxidation Lipid oxidation products and cell signaling The roles of oxidized lipids in specific diseases-including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, and metabolic disorders, as well as in cancer Drug targeting and the therapeutic potential of oxidized lipids Accurate measurement of the formation of lipid oxidation products and investigation of their biological effects and roles in disease are critical to biomedical science and new targeted therapeutics. Written by acknowledged experts in the field, this book provides a broad survey of both established knowledge and recent findings on the action of oxidized lipid products on cell signaling and gene expression in health and disease.

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid and natural constituent of a number of foods, particularly vegetable oils. On the basis of proven beneficial health effects it is also a possible ingredient in processed functional foods. However, due to its high energy content it is not recommended to increase the consumption of any particular fat, but to substitute other lipids with oleic acid. While there is a well-established consensus that replacing saturated fats in the diet with oleic acid or other unsaturated fats contributes to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels, a series of other effects has also been studied, including the modulation of inflammatory markers, blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, gastrointestinal functions and even various cancers. This book discusses oleic acid's health effects, as well as its production, and how it is used.

Arachidonic acid (ARA) is one the two main polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in the brain, especially in neuronal cells, and can be a target in the fight against the major public health concern represented by Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related disorders in high- as well as in low-income countries where elders constitute a growing part of the population. This compilation includes topics such as the use of arachidonic acid to prevent Alzheimer's disease; the dietary effects and sources of ARA; the effect of ARA on key oncogenic pathways in prostate cancer; and the effects of adipokines on prostaglandin E2 production by rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts.

For many years, the surface of cells was viewed as a homogeneous fluid lipid casing. However, it is now understood that the surface of cells is not homogeneous but instead contains domains selectively enriched in particular lipids and proteins. Although it is still not completely clear how these lipid platforms are formed, their existence provides a basis for the organisation of many cell processes. One possibility is that microdomain formation relies on lipid phase separation in the plane of the bilayer -- 'lipid raft' hypothesis. Lipid rafts are compelling since they provide spontaneous organisation for signal transduction as well as intracellular sorting and targeting. What are the functions of these domains? Do they rely on specific interactions and how do they change in response to cell signalling processes? Do they help in the understanding of cell signalling and immune function and how may they be disrupted in disease processes such as neurodegeneration?

Lipidomics forms part of the field of metabolomics, which in turn follows on from genomics, transcriptomics, and proteomics, in a top-down manner. It is the study of hydrophobic molecules called lipids; however, lipid molecular species are so numerous that investigators tend to subdivide global lipidomics into targeted lipidomic approaches. This book focuses on structural and mediator lipidomics, with a particular emphasis on their functional aspects. This includes lipids deserving of special interest for their structures (especially as parts of cell membranes or plasma lipoprotein particles) and lipids known for their biological activities, which mediate the action of cell agonists (for example, hormones, growth factors, etc.). The oxygenated metabolites of the major functional w6 and w3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in mammals, in particular arachidonic and docosahexaenoic acids, are presented, with special attention paid to their structure-function relationships. These metabolites are very active, and their biological relevance was recognized early on with a Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 1982. Finally, general principles for the high performance analysis and characterization of lipid species are also presented. The book has been written for undergraduate students and scientists interested in the field of lipids. Clinicians will also be able to find useful information, due to the numerous references to pathophysiology.

This detailed book explores examples of current in vitro and in silico techniques that are at the forefront of lipid membrane research today. Beginning with methods and strategies associated with the creation and use of lipid membrane models in various research settings, the volume continues with electrical impedance spectroscopy strategies and methods to identify how ions and proteins interact with model lipid bilayers, guidance on lipid bilayer in silico molecular dynamics modeling, novel techniques to explore lipid bilayer characteristics using neutron scattering, IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM), as well as unique fluorescence techniques. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series style, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and cutting-edge, Membrane Lipids: Methods and Protocols serves as an ideal guide for researchers seeking to further investigate the often complicated world of lipid membrane biophysics.

This volume gives a comprehensive insight into established and novel methods to analyze the structure and function of lipid rafts. This book covers topics such as isolation of lipid rafts and their functional analysis using biochemical methods; visualization of lipid rafts and their interaction with proteins using fluorescence-related methods; preparation of giant lipid vesicles and fluorescence spectroscopy; FRET and FRAP; and using photo-activated cross-linking of a ceramide analog combined with proximity ligation assay. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Thorough and cutting-edge, Lipid Rafts: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for both novice and expert researchers interested in learning more about the function of lipid rafts in many areas of cell biology and medicine.

In this book, renowned scientists describe how cholesterol interacts with various proteins. Recent progress made in the high-resolution visualization of cholesterol-protein interactions using crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy has substantially advanced the knowledge of critical features. These features enable specific recognition of the cholesterol molecule by proteins, a process that was built on earlier studies using binding assays, computational modeling and site-directed mutagenesis. Direct Mechanisms in Cholesterol Modulation of Protein Function offers comprehensive insights into the current understanding of cholesterol-driven modulation of protein function via direct sensing. Its nine chapters are organized into two distinct parts. In the first part, the chapters introduce the reader to the general characteristics of cholesterol binding sites in proteins. This part starts with a tour into common cholesterol recognition motifs, followed by an overview of the major classes of steroid-binding proteins. It then continues with two chapters that present a comprehensive analysis of molecular and structural characteristics of cholesterol binding sites in transmembrane and soluble protein domains. In the second part of the book, examples of cholesterol binding sites and consequences of specific cholesterol recognition for protein function are presented for G protein-coupled receptors, ion channels and cholesterol-transporting proteins. The book is valuable for undergraduate and graduate students in biochemistry and nutrition, as well as basic science and medical researchers with a keen interest in the biophysical properties of cholesterol and physiological consequences of cholesterol presence in biological systems.

"Only once in a great while does a book come along that really does the job in addressing a major medical issue. When this happens, all can be joyful... Readers will find ALL their favorite dietary puzzlements dealt with... With consummate scholarship, clarity and brevity, Truswell sifts out the chaff and identifies the critical questions, the responsible investigators, and the key studies." So says Emeritus Professor Henry Blackburn from the University of Minnesota in the foreword to this remarkable concise book on the history of research on diet and heart disease. This was a theme of scientific, medical and public interest in the 20th Century, a century marked by the rise and fall of coronary heart disease as the major cause of death in the first world, followed by the rise of this cause of death in the developing world. There is obviously much to learn, and this book is an excellent starting point, tracing dietary factors and their role in heart disease one by one: fats, sugar, salt, alcohol, coffee, trans-fats, etc. Without an understanding of the role of diet and the changes that have been seen in the North American and NW European diet, the story of the decline in the heart disease death rate may have been very different.

What are lipid nanoparticles? How are they structured? How are they formed? What techniques are best to characterize them? How great is their potential as drug delivery systems? These questions and more are answered in this comprehensive and highly readable work on lipid nanoparticles. This work sets out to provide the reader with a clear and understandable understanding of the current practices in formulation, characterization and drug delivery of lipid nanoparticles. A comprehensive description of the current understanding of synthesis, characterization, stability optimization and drug incorporation of solid lipid nanoparticles is provided. Nanoparticles have attracted great interest over the past few decades with almost exponential growth in their research and application. Their small particle size and subsequent high surface area make them ideal in many uses, but particularly as drug carrier systems. Nanoparticles made from lipids are especially attractive because of their enhanced biocompatibility imparted by the lipid. The work provides a detailed description of the types of lipid nanoparticles available (e.g. SLN, NLC, LDC, PLN) and how they range from imperfect crystalline to amorphous in structure. Current thoughts on where drugs are situated (e.g. in the core, or at the interface) and how this can be manipulated are discussed. The many techniques for production, including the author's own variant of microwave heating, are fully discussed. Techniques for measuring arguably the most important characteristics of particle size and polydispersity are discussed, along with techniques to measure crystallinity, shape and drug capacity. Finally, a full chapter on techniques for measuring stability, both in the absence and presence of drugs, is discussed, along with suggestions on how to optimize that stability. This work appeals to students of colloid science, practitioners of research into drug delivery and academics alike.