A review of techniques for formulating nanoemulsion drug delivery systems
Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: A review of techniques for formulating nanoemulsion drug delivery systems
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Ragini Dwivedi and Dhananjay Rai
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: A review of techniques for formulating nanoemulsion drug delivery systems
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Doi: 10.20959/wjpr202311-28778
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
1) Introduction
Nanoemulsion drug delivery systems have garnered significant attention due to their capability to enhance drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeting efficiency, especially for poorly soluble drugs. These systems involve nanosized droplets of oil dispersed in an aqueous medium, stabilized by surfactants. This review elucidates various formulation techniques for nanoemulsions, highlighting their principles, advantages, challenges, and advancements. The growing interest in nanoemulsions is attributed to their increased stability and effectiveness in delivering pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food products by improving solubility and absorption.
2) High-Energy Methods in Nanoemulsion Formulation
High-energy methods are frequently employed in the creation of nanoemulsions, utilizing external energy to reduce larger droplets into nanoscale sizes. Techniques such as high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, and ultrasonication exemplify this approach. High-pressure homogenization applies intense shear forces to break down droplet sizes, while microfluidization ensures precise control over droplet distribution. Ultrasonication exploits high-frequency sound waves to create cavitation bubbles, resulting in droplet disruption. These methods are advantageous for their efficiency and ability to produce stable nanoemulsions, although they can be resource-intensive and require specialized equipment.
3) Low-Energy Methods in Nanoemulsion Formation
In contrast to high-energy methods, low-energy approaches, such as the Phase Inversion Temperature (PIT) and Phase Inversion Composition (PIC) methods, rely on thermodynamic principles. These techniques reduce interfacial tension to facilitate the spontaneous formation of nanoemulsions through controlled thermal or compositional changes. The process begins with the selection of compatible oil, water, and surfactants, and is characterized by phase inversion that transitions emulsion types (from O/W to W/O). Low-energy methods are advantageous for producing stable formulations with lower energy consumption; however, they may require extensive optimization of formulation parameters to achieve desired properties.
4) Applications of Nanoemulsion Drug Delivery
Nanoemulsions serve diverse applications across several fields, particularly in pharmaceutical delivery systems. They enhance oral bioavailability for poorly soluble drugs by increasing the surface area for absorption in the gastrointestinal tract. In topical and transdermal applications, nanoemulsions penetrate skin barriers effectively, providing controlled release and targeted delivery. Additionally, they have shown promise in ophthalmic applications by improving drug solubility and corneal penetration. In cancer therapy, nanoemulsions can encapsulate hydrophobic anticancer drugs, allowing for targeted delivery and reduced systemic toxicity. Their versatility extends to vaccine delivery, offering improved stability and immune response.
5) Conclusion
Nanoemulsion drug delivery systems represent a significant advancement in overcoming bioavailability challenges for hydrophobic drugs affected by high first-pass metabolism. Formulation techniques can be categorized into high-energy and low-energy methods, each offering distinct advantages for controlling droplet size and composition. High-energy methods tend to provide better dispersion control but at a higher cost, while low-energy techniques favor simplicity and lower resource demands. Continued research and development are essential to unlock the full potential of nanoemulsions in drug delivery, optimizing formulations to enhance therapeutic effectiveness and broaden applications across various fields.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are nanoemulsion drug delivery systems?
Nanoemulsion drug delivery systems are stable, nanosized droplets of oil dispersed in water. They improve drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeting efficiency, making them promising for delivering poorly soluble drugs.
What advantages do nanoemulsions offer over traditional emulsions?
Nanoemulsions provide enhanced stability, increased bioavailability, targeted delivery, and versatility. Their small droplet size and broad interfacial area help encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs effectively.
How are nanoemulsions formulated using high-energy methods?
High-energy methods for nanoemulsion formulation include high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, ultrasonication, and membrane emulsification. These techniques apply external energy to reduce droplet size and enhance stability.
What factors influence the formation of nanoemulsions?
Factors such as surfactant selection, oil-to-water ratio, mixing method, and temperature significantly influence the droplet size, stability, and overall performance of nanoemulsions.
What challenges are associated with nanoemulsion formulations?
Challenges include formulation complexity, manufacturing scalability, droplet coalescence, and maintaining long-term stability. Proper component selection and optimization are crucial for successful nanoemulsion production.
What are the applications of nanoemulsion drug delivery systems?
Nanoemulsions are used in oral, topical, transdermal, and ophthalmic drug delivery, as well as for cancer therapy and vaccine delivery, enhancing bioavailability and therapeutic effect.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A review of techniques for formulating nanoemulsion drug delivery systems”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
Drugs, in plural form, encompass a wide range of substances administered to treat various medical conditions. Nanoemulsions can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, significantly enhancing their solubility and absorption profiles. This versatility allows nanoemulsion drug delivery systems to address the challenges posed by poorly soluble therapeutic agents.
2) Water:
'The water' in this context underscores the importance of water as a dispersive medium in nanoemulsion formulations. Its role is pivotal for solubilizing various ingredients, especially for hydrophilic substances that might otherwise precipitate or separate in oil-based systems, thereby contributing to the overall stability and integrity of the emulsion.
3) Oil:
Oils are a crucial component of nanoemulsions, providing the hydrophobic phase for drug delivery systems. These emulsions can contain various oils, such as vegetable and mineral oils, that aid in dissolving lipophilic drugs. The choice of oil significantly impacts the stability, droplet size, and overall efficacy of the nanoemulsion.
4) Food:
In the context of nanoemulsions, 'food' refers to the potential applications in food science, where nanoemulsions can be used to enhance the solubility and stability of bioactive compounds or nutrients. Their use in food delivery systems reflects the versatility and multifunctionality of nanoemulsions in various industries, including nutrition.
5) Field:
'The field' refers to a specific area of study or research activity, emphasizing the focus on nanoemulsions in scientific and industrial applications. Myriad research initiatives explore the development and optimization of nanoemulsion systems to fulfill diverse needs in pharmaceutical and biomedical contexts.
6) Surface:
Surface plays a vital role in determining the stability of nanoemulsions, where the interface between the oil and water phases exists. The presence of surfactants at the surface reduces interfacial tension, stabilizing the droplets and preventing coalescence. This stability is crucial for maintaining the efficacy of nanoemulsions over time.
7) Substance:
Substances are the fundamental materials or compounds used in the formulation of nanoemulsions. An understanding of the nature, behavior, and interactions of these substances is crucial for creating stable nanoemulsions, as they directly influence drug solubility, release profiles, and stability in various applications.
8) Medicine:
Medicines typically refer to formulations designed for therapeutic use in treating diseases or health conditions. In the context of nanoemulsions, these medicines may encompass an array of poorly soluble drugs, where nanoemulsion systems aid in enhancing solubility and bioavailability, ultimately improving therapeutic efficacy.
9) Cancer:
Cancer represents a category of diseases characterized by uncontrolled cell growth. Nanoemulsion systems are being explored for delivering chemotherapeutic agents effectively, enhancing solubility and targeting abilities of anticancer medications. This targeted approach facilitates the reduction of side effects and improves treatment efficacy in cancer therapies.
10) Medium:
In the context of nanoemulsions, 'medium' refers to the continuous phase that allows for the stabilization and dispersion of various particles, such as oils and hydrophilic molecules. The selection of the right medium affects the stability, droplet size, and overall performance of the nanoemulsion system.
11) Colar (Colan):
Solan might refer to a person or location relevant to studies on nanoemulsions or related fields. This designation signifies individuals or institutions contributing knowledge, research, or development within the scope of nanoemulsions, particularly in enhancing formulations for specific applications like drug delivery.
12) Performance:
Performance indicates the effectiveness or efficiency of nanoemulsion systems in delivering active ingredients. Evaluating the performance of these formulations involves assessing their stability, droplet size distribution, and bioavailability among various applications, ensuring they meet desired therapeutic outcomes in real-world scenarios.
13) Measurement:
Measurement is an essential aspect of evaluating nanoemulsion systems, involving techniques to assess properties such as droplet size, stability, and release kinetics. Accurate measurement enables researchers to optimize formulations for specific applications, ensuring that the nanoemulsions perform effectively and reliably in both laboratory and clinical settings.
14) Agriculture:
Agriculture denotes the application of nanoemulsions in enhancing the delivery of agrochemicals and nutrients. By improving the solubility and effectiveness of fertilizers and pesticides, nanoemulsion technology holds promise for increased efficiency and reduced environmental impacts in agricultural practices, demonstrating its cross-disciplinary potential.
15) Developing:
Developing refers to the process of formulating or advancing nanoemulsion systems to enhance their properties and functionalities. Researchers are continually developing new techniques and formulations to optimize drug delivery, bioavailability, and stability of nanoemulsions, contributing to their effectiveness in various medicinal and industrial applications.
16) Varanasi (Varanashi):
Varanasi is a geographical location in India notable for its educational and research institutions. In the context of nanoemulsions, Varanasi may signify a hub of academic study and development in pharmacy and drug delivery systems, influencing research advancements and local pharmaceutical innovations.
17) Disease:
Disease denotes a pathological condition that affects the function or health of an organism. Nanoemulsions are being investigated for delivering drugs effectively to treat different diseases, improving therapeutic outcomes by enhancing drug solubility, stability, and targeted delivery capabilities.
18) Chandra:
Chandra might refer to a person involved in research or academic contributions related to nanoemulsion studies. Individuals like Chandra play a significant role in advancing the understanding of nanoemulsion systems and their applications within medicinal formulations, impacting pharmaceutical development efforts.
19) Account:
Account might refer to documenting or detailing the properties, formulation techniques, and benefits of nanoemulsions. In scientific research, maintaining an account of findings is crucial for understanding the implications of nanoemulsions in drug delivery and ensuring transparency in experimental approaches.
20) Mineral:
Mineral in the context of oils denotes a type of oil derived from non-renewable resources used in nanoemulsions. Selection of mineral oils in formulating nanoemulsions is important for providing the hydrophobic phase, thus influencing the stability and effectiveness of the delivery system for various applications.
21) Road:
Road may symbolize a pathway for research or development in the field of nanoemulsions, indicating ongoing studies, advancements, or future directions for innovation. It signifies the journey towards achieving improved formulations and broader implementation in pharmaceutical and medical applications.
22) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological relates to the study of drugs and their effects on biological systems. In the context of nanoemulsions, pharmacological studies focus on how these systems can enhance drug delivery, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and minimizing side effects, thus impacting treatment strategies.
23) Transmission:
Transmission refers to the process by which drugs or bioactive compounds are delivered to the target site in the body. Optimizing transmission in nanoemulsions aims to enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic agents by ensuring they reach their intended destinations more efficiently.
24) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformed denotes the process of changing or improving the characteristics of substances in nanoemulsion formulations. This transformation is essential in enhancing the delivery mechanisms, solubility, and stability of drugs, thereby providing better treatment options and outcomes in pharmacological applications.
25) Antibiotic (Antibacterial):
Antibiotic refers to a specific type of antimicrobial used primarily to treat bacterial infections. In the context of nanoemulsions, this highlights the importance of formulation techniques that increase the bioavailability and targeting efficiency of antibiotics to improve therapeutic effectiveness.
26) Toxicity:
Toxicity refers to the degree to which a substance can harm living organisms. In developing nanoemulsions for drug delivery, it is crucial to assess toxicity to ensure safety and efficacy of formulations while minimizing adverse effects on patients.
27) Channel:
Channel relates to the mechanisms that facilitate the delivery and absorption of drugs through biological barriers. In nanoemulsion formulations, optimized channels ensure enhanced permeability and bioavailability of the encapsulated active ingredients, promoting more effective therapeutic outcomes.
28) Castor:
Castor may refer to castor oil, which is a natural oil often used in the formulation of nanoemulsions. Its properties can enhance the solubility of hydrophobic drugs, making it an important component in creating effective delivery systems in pharmaceutical applications.
29) Desire:
Desire signifies the goal or aspiration to achieve effective and innovative drug delivery systems using nanoemulsions. This desire drives research and development to create formulations that improve drug stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to meet patient needs.
30) Kumar:
Kumar may refer to a researcher or an academic contributing significantly to the field of nanoemulsions and drug delivery. Contributions from individuals like Kumar are vital for advancing knowledge, methodologies, and applications in enhancing therapeutic strategies.
31) Aroma (A-roma):
Aroma highlights the sensory experience associated with some nanoemulsion formulations, especially in food and cosmetic applications. The ability to encapsulate and preserve aromatic compounds within nanoemulsions can improve the flavor and scent of products, adding to their appeal and effectiveness.
32) Qian:
Qian may signify significant contributions from a researcher or study related to nanoemulsions. Such individuals often provide insights that propel forward the understanding of formulation techniques, stability, and performance, ultimately enhancing the landscape of drug delivery systems.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A review of techniques for formulating nanoemulsion drug delivery systems’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Therapeutic efficacy, Cancer therapy, Transdermal drug delivery, Targeted Drug Delivery, Oil-in-water emulsion, Vaccine delivery, Pharmaceutical application, Water in oil emulsion.