Microemulsions: A Paradigm Shift in Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

A microemulsion is a transparent or nearly transparent, quasi-homogeneous, thermodynamically stable mixture of two immiscible liquid stabilized by surfactant (or mixture of surfactant). As pharmaceuticals drug delivery systems, microemulsion have unique properties, including clarity, high stability and ease of preparation. Due to their physicochemical properties, microemulsion often advantages over traditional topical and transdermal drug delivery systems. Moreover, microemulsion dispersion are promising candidates as means for controlled drug delivery, and as drug carriers for oral, topical, and parenteral administration furthermore, microemulsion have been shown to process promising potential in the fields of cosmetic and various consumer products. A brief overview regarding the preparation, characterization and application of microemulsion has been given in this review article.