Cubosomes and hexosomes as versatile platforms for drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Nonlamellar liquid crystalline phases are advanced formulation platforms for drug delivery.
• Their lipid constituents offer nanostructural versatility, biocompatibility, and bioadhesion.
• These phases effectively solubilize and sustain the release of diverse drug types (amphiphilic, hydrophobic, hydrophilic).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the unique features of cubosomes and hexosomes for drug delivery.
• To explore their potential as drug delivery platforms.
• To highlight two key strategies: internally self-assembled particles (ISAsomes) and in situ formation of parenteral dosage forms.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on nonlamellar liquid crystalline phases.
• Analysis of the structural properties and drug-solubilizing capabilities of cubosomes and hexosomes.
• Discussion of ISAsomes formation and in situ parenteral dosage form development.

Main Results:

• Cubosomes and hexosomes exhibit tunable nanostructures.
• These structures facilitate the solubilization and controlled release of various drug molecules.
• ISAsomes and in situ forming systems represent promising drug delivery strategies.

Conclusions:

• Nonlamellar liquid crystalline phases, particularly cubosomes and hexosomes, are highly attractive for drug delivery.
• Their inherent properties enable effective drug solubilization and sustained release.
• These systems hold significant potential for developing advanced parenteral drug formulations.