CUBOSOMES AS VERSATILE LIPID NANOCARRIER: STRUCTURAL BASIS, PREPARATION STRATEGIES, BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS, AND EMERGING TRENDS
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Abstract
Background: Cubosomes are lipid-based nanocarriers with a bicontinuous self-assembled structure and significant potential for advanced drug delivery applications. Their unique cubic internal configuration, extensive surface area, and potential to encapsulate a wide variety of agents, comprising hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic compounds, render them advantageous for improving drug properties such as solubility, stability, loading efficiency, and controlled release. Methodology: These innovative nanocarriers have garnered considerable attention across various biomedical domains, including cancer treatment, antimicrobial and antiviral therapy, transdermal formulations, oral bioavailability enhancement, vaccine delivery, and responsive systems. Results and Discussion: This review outlines the structural features, compositions, stabilization methods, self-assembly theories, drug-encapsulation dynamics, release profiles, preparation techniques, and essential characterization methods of cubosomes. Conclusion: It examines recent advances in biomedical applications targeting different diseases, along with emerging technologies that help clarify the future directions of these nanocarriers.
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