Abstract

REVIEW ON CUBOSOMES AS A SMART NANO DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Nirmala P.*, Lohith K. C. and Lakshmi K.

ABSTRACT

Cubosomes are thermodynamically stable nano sized self-assembled structures with internal visible cubic lattice. They resemble honeycomb or cavernous structure which separates the two internal aqueous channel and large interfacial area. The innovation of cubosomes not only aided pharmaceutical sector but also has led a greater importance in the field of food science and differential geometry. These cubosomes are bicontinous liquid crystalline particles with certain surfactant and a definite ratio of aqueous component. The name cubosomes reflects the shape of the carrier system which includes cubic liquid crystalline phase with highly twisted bicontinous structure. These cubosomes are potential drug carriers as they are designed to solubilizing the larger amount of hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic active substance within their structure. They are biocompatible and bioadhesive in nature hence they are not only suitable for administration through oral and parenteral route but also well acceptable for topical administration. The cubosomes largely includes biodegradable lipids like monoolein which at room temperature forms bilayers of continuous inverted cubic phases separating the two intercrossing water channels and they are versatile drug delivery system for targeted and control release of bioactive agents. The wide range of applications of cubosomes in various fields gaining the attention of the young scientist for much more innovations in their development. The cubosomes are indeed attracting and fascinating the researchers in pharmaceutical industry.

Keywords: cubosomes, bicontinous, cubic phase, crystalline, biocompatible.