Emerging Applications of Pickering Emulsions in Pharmaceutical Formulations: A Comprehensive Review

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Colloid and Surface Chemistry

Background:

• Particle-stabilized Pickering emulsions (PEs) are increasingly favored over traditional surfactant-based systems in pharmaceutical formulations.
• PEs offer enhanced stability, reduced toxicity, and tunable interfacial properties.
• Their unique architecture enables precise control over drug release, targeting, and payload encapsulation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive review of Pickering emulsions in pharmaceutical applications.
• To detail the characteristics, preparation methods, and control parameters of PEs.
• To discuss the advantages and disadvantages of solid particles used as emulsifiers.
• To highlight the applications of PEs in drug delivery, including functionalized designs and administration routes.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Pickering emulsions and their pharmaceutical applications.
• Detailed description of PE preparation techniques and key controlling parameters.
• Categorization and comparative analysis of solid particles used as emulsifiers.
• Exploration of functionalized PE designs for targeted drug delivery.

Main Results:

• Pickering emulsions demonstrate significant advantages in stability and biocompatibility compared to surfactant systems.
• Control over droplet size and stability is achievable by adjusting preparation parameters and particle properties.
• Various solid particles offer distinct advantages and disadvantages as emulsifiers, influencing emulsion performance.
• Functionalized PEs show promise for spatiotemporal drug release and tissue-specific delivery.

Conclusions:

• Pickering emulsions represent a versatile and advantageous platform for advanced pharmaceutical drug delivery.
• Rational design of PEs, considering particle choice and formulation strategies, is crucial for optimizing therapeutic outcomes.
• Further research into functionalized PEs will enhance their application in various administration routes and disease treatments.