Liquid paraffin light 46% / Isopropyl myristate 39% bath emollient

Self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) represent an innovative approach to improving the solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, addressing significant challenges associated with oral drug delivery. This review highlights the advancements and applications of SEDDS, including their transition from liquid to solid forms, while addressing the formulation strategies, characterization techniques, and future prospects in pharmaceutical sciences. The review systematically analyzes existing studies on SEDDS, focusing on their classification into liquid and solid forms and their preparation methods, including spray drying, hot-melt extrusion, and adsorption onto carriers. Characterization techniques such as droplet size analysis, dissolution studies, and solid-state evaluations are detailed. Additionally, emerging trends, including 3D printing, hybrid systems, and supersaturable SEDDS (Su-SEDDS), are explored. Liquid SEDDS (L-SEDDS) enhance drug solubility and absorption by forming emulsions upon contact with gastrointestinal fluids. However, they suffer from stability and leakage issues. Transitioning to solid SEDDS (S-SEDDS) has resolved these limitations, offering enhanced stability, scalability, and patient compliance. Innovations such as personalized 3D-printed SEDDS, biologics delivery, and targeted systems demonstrate their potential for diverse therapeutic applications. Computational modeling and in silico approaches further accelerate formulation optimization. SEDDS have revolutionized drug delivery by improving bioavailability and enabling precise, patient-centric therapies. While challenges such as scalability and excipient toxicity persist, emerging technologies and multidisciplinary collaborations are paving the way for next-generation SEDDS. Their adaptability and potential for personalized medicine solidify their role as a cornerstone in modern pharmaceutical development.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Psoriasis is linked with unusual differentiation and hyperproliferation of epidermal keratinocytes that significantly impair the quality of life (QoL) of patients. The present treatment options only provide symptomatic relief and are surrounded by various adverse effects. Recently, nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) have emerged as next-generation nanocarriers with better physicochemical characteristics. The current manuscript provides background information on psoriasis, its pathophysiology, existing treatment options, and its limitations. It highlights the advantages, rationale, and mechanism of the permeation of NLCs for the treatment of psoriasis. It further gives a detailed account of various NLC nanoformulations for the treatment of psoriasis. In addition, tabular information is provided on the most relevant patents on NLCs for treating psoriasis. Lastly, light is shed on regulatory considerations related to NLC-like nanoformulations. In the treatment of psoriasis, NLCs display a sustained release drug profile, an ability to incorporate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs, an enhancement in skin hydration, penetrability, retention, and bioavailability of the drug, along with reduced staining potential as compared to conventional ointments, and decreased side effects of drug molecules. This affirms the bright future of NLC nanoformulations in the treatment of psoriasis. However, academic industry collaboration and more sound regulatory controls are required to commercialize the NLC nanoformulations for psoriasis treatment.

Abstract licence: CC BY

Transdermal insulin delivery is a promising method for diabetes management, providing the potential for controlled, sustained release and prolonged insulin effectiveness. However, the large molecular weight of insulin hinders its passive absorption through the stratum corneum (SC) of the skin, and high doses of insulin are required, which limits the commercial viability. We developed ethosome (ET) and trans-ethosome (TET) nanovesicle formulations containing a biocompatible lipid-based ionic liquid, [EDMPC][Lin], dissolved in 35% ethanol. TET formulations were obtained by adding isopropyl myristate (IPM), Tween-80, or Span-20 as surfactants to ET formulations. Dynamic light scattering, ζ-potential, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy studies revealed that the nanovesicles had a stable particle size. The formulations remained stable at 4 °C for more than 3 months. ET and TET formulations containing IPM (TET1) significantly (p 80%) in the in vitro and in vivo studies on three-dimensional (3D) artificial human skin and a diabetic mouse model, respectively. The ET and TET1 formulations were applied to the skin of diabetic mice at an insulin dosage of 30 IU/kg. The nanovesicle formulations significantly reduced blood glucose levels (BGLs) compared with the initial high BGL value (>150 mg/dL). The nanovesicle-treated mice maintained low BGLs for over 15 h, as opposed to only 2 h in the injection group. The ET and TET1 formulations reduced the BGLs by 62 and 34%, respectively, of the initial value. These ET and TET1 formulations have a high potential for use in commercial transdermal insulin patches, enhancing comfort and adherence in diabetes treatment.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC-ND