Abstract
Background: Novel drug delivery systems have always been of immense interest for research. The majority of the drugs suffer from solubility related constraints. Lipid-based drug delivery systems provide a promising approach to address this issue. Amongst various approaches, liquid crystalline systems offer distinct advantages over other available options. It maintains the phase stability between solid and liquid phases.
Objective: Lyotropic Liquid Crystals (LLCs) have highly ordered internal structure forming capabilities, thereby assisting the controlled release of a therapeutic agent of varying sizes and polarities.
Methods: The present article covers the structural features of dispersed mesophases (cubosomes and hexosomes), components used to prepare various mesophases, methods of preparation, characterization techniques, and potential applications.
Results: LLCs offers a distinct choice for delivering hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drug. They are also suitable for the delivery of macromolecules such as peptides and proteins through various routes of administration. Lyotropic liquid crystals are extremely versatile drug delivery systems that can be used for delivering drugs across topical, oral, buccal, pulmonary, and intravenous routes. Their use in the delivery of drugs that are tough to deliver, hormones, peptides, biomolecules, and vaccines is particularly important.
Conclusion: This review discusses the composition, methods of preparation, and characterization of LLCs. The LLCs offer promising delivery choices for drugs with lower solubility and higher toxicity.
Keywords: Lyotropic liquid crystals, cubosome, mesophases, hexosome, liquid crystals, pharmaceutical application.
Graphical Abstract
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