Revolutionizing nanomedicine: Expanding horizons of nanoemulsions in drug delivery and beyond

Abstract

Nanoemulsions are nano-sized particles, typically ranging from tens to hundreds of nanometers. These nanoemulsions possess various appealing properties, making them highly promising for various applications in pharmaceutics, foods, and cosmetics. These properties include their small size, which allows for a high surface area per unit volume, and their ability to disperse hydrophobic components and enhance absorption effectively. In the pharmaceutical industry, nanoemulsions have been developed to enhance the delivery of hydrophobic active ingredients. Macromolecular surfactants offer enhanced emulsion stability compared to conventional low-molecular surfactants. Enhanced stability is due to their slower desorption kinetics at the droplet interface, which reduces the risk of toxicity and skin irritation associated with the latter. This article presents a comprehensive investigation into the role of nanoemulsions in drug delivery. It commences by delineating various emulsion types and subsequently explores techniques for nanoemulsion preparation. Surfactants serve as pivotal components in both the production and stabilization of nanoemulsions. The review provides an encompassing overview of diverse surfactant types, encompassing small molecule variants, particle surfactants, phospholipids, peptides, and protein-based surfactants tailored for nanoemulsions. Additionally, it addresses nanoemulsion instability, elucidating strategies to mitigate instability challenges, and highlights the utilization of nanoemulsions in nanomedicine for effective drug delivery. This comprehensive overview aims to offer insights for researchers engaged in nanoemulsion-related studies and associated interdisciplinary fields.