Emulsomes: Next-Generation Nanocarriers for Enhanced Drug Delivery and Therapeutic Applications

The review focuses on emulsomes, lipid-based nanocarriers that combine characteristics of emulsions and liposomes. Structurally, emulsomes consist of a solid lipid core surrounded by phospholipid bilayers, enabling the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. This dual encapsulation capacity makes emulsomes particularly valuable for enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, especially those classified under the Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II and IV. Key components of emulsomes, such as the solid lipid core, phospholipid layers, surfactants, and stabilizers like cholesterol, play crucial roles in determining their stability, drug-loading efficiency, and controlled-release capabilities. The review highlights various preparation methods, including sonication, high-pressure extrusion, and ethanol injection, each optimized to produce stable emulsomes with appropriate particle sizes and enhanced drug encapsulation. In terms of therapeutic applications, emulsomes have shown promise in delivering a wide range of drugs, including those for cancer therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, antifungal medications, and antiviral agents. The ability of emulsomes to enhance drug targeting, retention, and sustained release makes them a versatile and effective drug-delivery platform. This review underscores the potential of emulsomes as a cutting-edge nanocarrier system, capable of advancing drug-delivery technologies and improving therapeutic outcomes across various medical fields.