Nanoemulsion as a Nano Carrier System in Drug Delivery: A Review

Abstract

Nanoemulsions are colloidal dispersions having smaller globule size that ranges from 20-600 nm. They are clear transparent and kinetically stable formulations commonly available in the form of creams, shampoos, gels, sprays and aerosols. Nanoemulsions are nano carrier drug delivery system for the protection of drugs from severe environmental conditions like pH, oxidation and hydrolysis. Nanoemulsions are normally contains oil phase, aqueous phase, surfactants and co-surfactants. Different methods are employed for the preparations of nanoemulsions are high pressure homogenization, microfluidization, ultrasonication, spontaneous emulsifi- cation, membrane emulsification, phase inversion temperature and solvent displacement method. The stability of the nanoemulsions has the ability to protect the dosage unit microbial contamination physically and chemically. They can be administered via nasal route, orally, topically, transdermally and also used as prophylactically in bio-terrorism attack and as diagnostic agent. They can be used for the delivery of various types of drugs like vaccines, DNA encoded drugs, antibiotics and vitamins. Various patents on nanoemulsions are also discussed. Nanoemulsions are nano carrier system with safe and effective delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drug and also used in targeting.