Chapter 9 Future prospects of micro/nanoemulsions in enhancing drug performance
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Shrikant Dargude
Abstract
Micro/nanoemulsions offer immense potential in enhancing drug performance through improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability. However, their widespread application is hindered by thermodynamic instability and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations. Long-term stabilization remains a key challenge, particularly for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the toxicity and limited biocompatibility of conventional synthetic surfactants underscore the urgent need for safer, sustainable alternatives. Recent advancements emphasize the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable surfactants derived from natural sources, which not only reduce toxicity but also improve compatibility with biological systems.
Innovative approaches are steering the development of environmentally conscious emulsion systems utilizing renewablerenewable materials, biodegradable emulsifiers, and low-energy fabrication techniques. These strategies enhance both the structural integrity and functional efficacy of emulsions while enabling targeted and controlled drug delivery. Biopolymer-based stabilizers such as zein, cellulose, starch, and protein–polysaccharide complexes have gained momentum due to their clean-label status and biodegradability. Hybridhybrid systems integrating cellulose nanocrystals, polyphenol crystals, and whey protein microgels have demonstrated superior stability and drug encapsulation efficiency.
Looking ahead, advanced drug delivery platforms combining micro/nanoemulsions with nanocarriers like liposomes, micelles, and dendrimers show promise in achieving precise, stimuli-responsive delivery. Functionalized carriers with peptides, antibodies, or targeting ligands offer the potential for site-specific action and controlled release in response to physiological triggers such as pH, temperature, or CO2 levels.
270This chapter provides a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of micro/nanoemulsions, critically analyzing their current applications, emerging materials, and integration into multidrug delivery systems. It highlights the transformative potential of these systems in addressing future pharmaceutical challenges.
Abstract
Micro/nanoemulsions offer immense potential in enhancing drug performance through improved solubility, stability, and bioavailability. However, their widespread application is hindered by thermodynamic instability and sensitivity to environmental fluctuations. Long-term stabilization remains a key challenge, particularly for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Furthermore, the toxicity and limited biocompatibility of conventional synthetic surfactants underscore the urgent need for safer, sustainable alternatives. Recent advancements emphasize the use of eco-friendly, biodegradable surfactants derived from natural sources, which not only reduce toxicity but also improve compatibility with biological systems.
Innovative approaches are steering the development of environmentally conscious emulsion systems utilizing renewablerenewable materials, biodegradable emulsifiers, and low-energy fabrication techniques. These strategies enhance both the structural integrity and functional efficacy of emulsions while enabling targeted and controlled drug delivery. Biopolymer-based stabilizers such as zein, cellulose, starch, and protein–polysaccharide complexes have gained momentum due to their clean-label status and biodegradability. Hybridhybrid systems integrating cellulose nanocrystals, polyphenol crystals, and whey protein microgels have demonstrated superior stability and drug encapsulation efficiency.
Looking ahead, advanced drug delivery platforms combining micro/nanoemulsions with nanocarriers like liposomes, micelles, and dendrimers show promise in achieving precise, stimuli-responsive delivery. Functionalized carriers with peptides, antibodies, or targeting ligands offer the potential for site-specific action and controlled release in response to physiological triggers such as pH, temperature, or CO2 levels.
270This chapter provides a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of micro/nanoemulsions, critically analyzing their current applications, emerging materials, and integration into multidrug delivery systems. It highlights the transformative potential of these systems in addressing future pharmaceutical challenges.
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword V
- Foreword VII
- Contents V
- List of contributing authors IX
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1 Techniques for characterizing micro/nanoemulsions in pharmaceutical formulations 9
- Chapter 2 Micro/nanoemulsions in dermatology for enhanced therapeutic solutions 49
- Chapter 3 Harnessing micro/nanoemulsion for transnasal drug delivery with enhanced efficacy and precision 79
- Chapter 4 Micro/nanoemulsions redefining cosmeceutical formulation for optimal skin health 107
- Chapter 5 Accelerating recovery through advanced wound healing applications of micro/nanoemulsions 127
- Chapter 6 Precision oncology: nanoemulsions as pioneers in the delivery of anticancer agents, immunomodulators, and vaccines 171
- Chapter 7 Cutting-edge innovations: advances and applications of micro/nanoemulsions in gel formulations 211
- Chapter 8 Clinical frontiers and regulatory status of micro/nanoemulsions 251
- Chapter 9 Future prospects of micro/nanoemulsions in enhancing drug performance 269
- Index 289
Chapters in this book
- Frontmatter I
- Foreword V
- Foreword VII
- Contents V
- List of contributing authors IX
- Introduction 1
- Chapter 1 Techniques for characterizing micro/nanoemulsions in pharmaceutical formulations 9
- Chapter 2 Micro/nanoemulsions in dermatology for enhanced therapeutic solutions 49
- Chapter 3 Harnessing micro/nanoemulsion for transnasal drug delivery with enhanced efficacy and precision 79
- Chapter 4 Micro/nanoemulsions redefining cosmeceutical formulation for optimal skin health 107
- Chapter 5 Accelerating recovery through advanced wound healing applications of micro/nanoemulsions 127
- Chapter 6 Precision oncology: nanoemulsions as pioneers in the delivery of anticancer agents, immunomodulators, and vaccines 171
- Chapter 7 Cutting-edge innovations: advances and applications of micro/nanoemulsions in gel formulations 211
- Chapter 8 Clinical frontiers and regulatory status of micro/nanoemulsions 251
- Chapter 9 Future prospects of micro/nanoemulsions in enhancing drug performance 269
- Index 289
