Purpose Two types of 10-hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) loaded nanostructured lipid careers (NLC-F 68 and NLC-Brij 35) intended for use as the altemative formulation of 10-HCPT for parenteral administration, were prepared.Methods 10-Hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers were prepared using an emulsification-ultrasonication method and fully characterized from physicochemical and in vitro release standpoint.Results The particle size was 108 nm and 126 nm for NLC-F 68 and NLC-Brij 35, respectively.Zeta potential of two type NLCs were -28.5 mV and-32.1 mV.The incorporated efficiency both was more than 85%.It is observed that NLCs are homogeneous and spherical in shape by transmission electron microscopy.Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed that 10-HCPT was dispersed within NLC in an amorphous state.The combination of trehalose and mannitol as cryoprotectants was most suitable for HCPT-NLC lyophilisation.The in vitro release behavior for two types of NLC was similar and displayed biphasic drug release pattem with burst release at the initial stage and prolonged release afterwards.Conclusion These results suggested that NLC could be exploited as a carrier with high incorporation efficiency and controlled release for 10-HCPT, and that NLC may serve as the alternative delivery system for parenteral administration of 10-HCPT.