Detailed Comprehensive Review on Advancement of Cubosomes and their Currently Available Applications

Cubosomes, nanostructured lipid-based carriers, exhibit a promising potential in drug delivery due to their unique structure, which integrates amphiphilic lipids and polymer-based stabilizers. This review examines the scientific principles of digestion relevant to cubosome function, their structural and compositional aspects, and various processing methods. We also explore potential distribution pathways, drug delivery strategies, and therapeutic applications, including cancer therapy, antimicrobial therapy, vaccine delivery, ocular and dermatological applications, and transdermal delivery. Notably, some challenges still hinder the clinical application of cubosome products, which this review addresses. This paper aims to provide an in-depth discussion on cubosomes, encompassing their composition, theories, processing techniques, and the diverse administration routes that make them a versatile option for targeted drug delivery. A bibliographic review was conducted using major electronic databases (PubMed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar, Springer, and Wiley) along with offline and online academic libraries for comprehensive data collection. Cubosomes, as innovative lipid-based nanotechnology similar to liposomes and niosomes, possess significant potential due to their unique bioadhesive properties, thermodynamic stability, and capability to encapsulate a variety of compounds. Composed typically of glyceryl monooleate and Phytantriol with a stabilizer, cubosomes enable sustained and targeted release, suggesting a broad range of applications. Further advancements are needed to address current limitations in their practical application.