CUBOSOMES: A NOVEL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM OVERVIEW

Abstract

Cubosomes are self-assembled, nanostructured, thermodynamically stable, square and rounded particles with cubic lattices visible. These are considered as versatile systems because of their properties and hence administrable in different ways such as orally, percutaneously, and parenterally. Cubosomes are organized in three dimensions as honey combed structures that are comprised of curved bicontinuous lipid bilayers which are divided into two internal aqueous channels that can be exploited by various bioactive ingredients, such as chemical drugs, peptides and proteins. Cubosomes can easily be incorporated into product formulations as they remain stable almost at any dilution level because of the relative insolubility of cubic phase forming lipid in water. This article gives an overview on structure, classification, properties, components, forms, preparation methods, evaluation and applications of cubosomes.