Microemulsion-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Harnessing Nanostructures for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy

Abstract

Microemulsions represent a unique class of dispersions characterized by their transparent or translucent appearance. These systems have garnered significant attention as promising drug delivery vehicles due to several advantageous properties. Notably, microemulsions offer prolonged shelf life, enhanced drug solubilization, and ease of preparation and administration. Comprising thermodynamically stable and optically isotropic liquid solutions of oil, water, and amphiphile, they maintain constant droplet sizes typically ranging from 10 to 100 nm, along with minimal oil/water interfacial tension. As such, microemulsions serve as versatile carriers for controlled or sustained drug release across various administration routes including ocular, percutaneous, topical, transdermal, and parenteral applications. Importantly, they effectively enhance drug therapeutic efficacy while minimizing toxic side effects by reducing the volume of the drug delivery vehicle. Moreover, microemulsions facilitate the absorption of lipophilic drugs by aiding in their solubilization within cell membranes, further underscoring their potential as valuable tools in pharmaceutical formulations.