Microemulsions as Carriers for Therapeutic Molecules

The document from 2010 reviews the potential of microemulsions as versatile drug delivery systems, capable of enhancing the solubility, stability, and bioavailability of therapeutic molecules. Microemulsions, which are composed of oil, water, and surfactants, can be tailored to carry both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs and can be administered through various routes including dermal, nasal, oral, and ophthalmic. The review discusses patented formulations and methods that utilize microemulsions to improve drug delivery, such as transdermal patches and oral formulations, and highlights their applications in medical areas like cancer treatment and hair loss prevention. It also covers the use of microemulsions in the synthesis of nanoparticles for drug delivery and the encapsulation of therapeutic agents. The document concludes that microemulsions offer a promising platform for drug delivery but notes that further research is needed to understand drug release and absorption from these systems. The authors acknowledge financial support from DST and CSIR, India, and report no conflict of interest.