Lipid-based nanocarriers for drug delivery: microemulsions vs. nanoemulsions

BENEDINI, LUCIANO A.; MESSINA PAULA V.

System of nanovesicular drug delivery

Elsevier

Año: 2022; p. 39 - 51

Lipid-basednanocarriers have demonstrated extraordinary properties as drug deliverysystems. Belonging to this group, microemulsions and nanoemulsions arecolloidal systems composed of two immiscible phases separated by a film ofsurfactant and co-surfactants. These systems have been designed to be loadedwith active molecules, mainly lipophilic, and thus, to ensure their deliveryand release in the target place. The small size of the disperse phase guaranteetwo important benefits: long-term stability and increased bioavailability ofthe loaded drug. In this work, the main theoretical concepts applied to carryout any of these systems are addressed; and also, an exhaustivedescription of both systems through their definition, main features,components, preparation methods, and technique for their characterization. Anadditional point is based on their applications in the pharmaceutical field is alsodeeply described. However, the review strength is referred to the discussionabout similarities and differences between these two systems for clarifyingsome misunderstanding concepts. The discussion address difference in size andshape of the disperse phase, stability, composition of phase, preparationmethods, and concepts used for the application in pharmaceutical sciences.