Surfactants' Role in Nanovesicles Drug Delivery System

The mini-review discusses the role of surfactants in the drug delivery system, specifically in the creation of nanovesicles known as spanlastics. These spanlastics, created by Kakkar and Kaur, are based on surfactants and are made up of edge activators (EAs) and non-ionic surfactants. EAs enhance the flexibility and permeability of the vesicular membranes of nanocarriers, allowing them to pass through various pores of biological layers without rupturing. This increases their flexibility and cross-membrane permeability. Spanlastics are inert, biodegradable, and safe deformable nanovesicles that have more chemical stability than standard liposomes. They are used in the systemic delivery of active compounds through buccal mucosa, providing painless administration and direct access to the systemic circulation via the inner jugular vein.