Several researchers have reported the use of cholesterol-based carriers in drug delivery. The presence of cholesterol in cell membranes and its wide distribution in the body has led to it being used in preparing carriers for the delivery of a variety of therapeutic agents such as anticancer, antimalarials and antivirals. These cholesterol-based carriers were designed as micelles, nanoparticles, copolymers, liposomes, etc. and their routes of administration include oral, intravenous and transdermal. The biocompatibility, good bioavailability and biological activity of cholesterol-based carriers make them potent prodrugs. Several in vitro and in vivo studies revealed cholesterol-based carriers potentials in delivering bioactive agents. In this manuscript, a critical review of the efficacy of cholesterol-based carriers is reported.

中文翻译：

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基于胆固醇的载体在药物递送中的功效

一些研究人员报告了在药物递送中使用基于胆固醇的载体。胆固醇在细胞膜中的存在及其在体内的广泛分布使其被用于制备用于递送多种治疗剂（例如抗癌剂、抗疟剂和抗病毒剂）的载体。这些基于胆固醇的载体被设计为胶束、纳米颗粒、共聚物、脂质体等，其给药途径包括口服、静脉内和透皮。基于胆固醇的载体的生物相容性、良好的生物利用度和生物活性使它们成为有效的前药。几项体外和体内研究揭示了基于胆固醇的载体在递送生物活性剂方面的潜力。在这份手稿中，报告了对基于胆固醇的载体功效的批判性审查。