Microemulsion Systems: Prospective Approach for Superior Drug Delivery

Background and Objective: Microemulsions (MEs) are thermodynamic stable dispersion of oily phase and aqueous phase stabilized by surfactants, and frequently, with a combination of additives or co-surfactants. Discussion: This system may be either oil dispersed in water (O/W) or water dispersed in oil (W/O). MEs are characteristically transparent solutions, as the globule size is about 100 nanometers or less. MEs are impressive and prospective drug delivery systems due to their thermodynamic stability, enhanced drug solubilisation, and effortlessness of development and administration. A proliferation of in vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that drugs integrated into ME systems providing sustained release and higher bioavailability. The enhancing bioavailability of the systems materializes due to a diversity of factors depending on the components and the ensuing nanostructure. Conclusion: This review is an effort to summarize the current development in the area of MEs, self microemulsifying drug delivery system (SMEDDS) which are examined in relation to their application in different route of administrations like ocular, parentral, and topical. The noteworthy patent, in vitro and in vivo correlation related with these ME systems are also explored here.