Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CUBOSOMES: FORMULATION STRATEGIES, EVALUATION TECHNIQUES, AND THEIR ROLE IN ENHANCED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Mamatha G. T., Srinivas H. C.*, Dr. Partiban S., R. Sharan, Sindhu S.

ABSTRACT

Cubosomes are emerging lipid-based nanocarriers that havegained considerable attention for their potential in advancedtopical drug delivery systems. Formed through the selfassemblyof amphiphilic lipids into a bicontinuous cubic liquidcrystalline structure, cubosomes enable the efficientencapsulation of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilicdrugs while providing controlled and sustained release. Thisreview presents a comprehensive analysis of cubosomes,covering their structural characteristics, key components, types,advantages, and inherent limitations. Various preparationtechniques, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, arecritically discussed along with their influence on particle size,stability, and drug-loading efficiency. The article also outlinesessential evaluation parameters such as particle sizedistribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drugrelease, and stability studies. Special emphasis is placed on theapplication of cubosomes in topical and transdermal drugdelivery, where they demonstrate superior skin permeation, enhanced bioavailability, andreduced systemic side effects compared to conventional vesicular systems. Overall,cubosomes are highlighted as a versatile and promising nanocarrier platform for improvingthe therapeutic performance of topical formulations.

Keywords: Cubosomes, Topical drug delivery, Lipid-based nanocarriers, Controlled drug release, Skin permeation enhancement.