Abstract

FORMULATION AND EVALUATION OF AMPHOTERICIN B-LOADED CUBOSOMES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

B. Premkumar*, D. Dhachinamoorthi, M. Pradeepkumar

ABSTRACT

Amphotericin B (AmB) is a broad-spectrum polyene antifungal agent widely used for the treatment of systemic fungal infections and visceral leishmaniasis. However, its clinical application is limited by poor aqueous solubility, low oral bioavailability, nephrotoxicity, and infusion-related adverse effects. Although conventional and lipid-based formulations have improved therapeutic efficacy, challenges related to toxicity, cost, and drug delivery remain. Cubosomes, nanostructured lipid carriers with a bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline architecture, have emerged as promising drug delivery systems owing to their high drug-loading capacity, controlled drug release, enhanced stability, and improved interaction with biological membranes. Amphotericin B-loaded cubosomes have demonstrated enhanced solubility, sustained drug release, improved antifungal activity, reduced toxicity, and superior pharmacokinetic performance compared with conventional formulations. This review summarizes the formulation strategies, preparation methods, characterization techniques, and recent advances in Amphotericin B-loaded cubosomal systems. It also discusses current challenges and future perspectives for the development of safe, effective, and targeted nanocarrier-based antifungal therapies.

Keywords: Amphotericin B; Cubosomes; Nanostructured lipid carriers; Antifungal drug delivery; Controlled drug release; Formulation; Characterization; Nanotechnology.