Nanoemulsion: A Novel Drug Delivery Tool

Abstract

Nanoemulsion (NE) is defined as an O/W or W/O emulsion producing a transparent product that has a droplet size from 20-200nm and does not have the tendency to coalesce. It is promising for transdermal delivery of drugs as an efficient route of drug administration. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain the advantages of nanoemulsions for the transdermal delivery of drugs. In transdermal delivery, the goal of dosage design is to maximize the flux through the skin into systemic circulation. A useful strategy for improving percutaneous flux is to improve the concentration of drug or choose an appropriate vehicle for the transdermal delivery. The nanoemulsions system should be a promising vehicle due to powerful ability to deliver drug through skins. With these approaches, the aim of this present study is to review the potential of nanoemulsion formulation for transdermal delivery of pure phytopharmaceuticals and poorly soluble drugs. Some nanoemulsions have however exhibited sufficiently high level of stability for them to be proposed as vehicle for drug delivery. Using the transdermal route eliminates the side effects, increases patient compliance, avoids first-pass metabolism, enhance bioavailability and maintains the plasma drug level for a longer period of time. Cosmetics formulations require this delivery system in order to show their effect more prominently.