Aquasomes: A self-assembled nano-particulate carrier system

Abstract

In the last few decades, nanobiotechnology emerged as a novel approach for those drugs that face challenges to deliver in conventional dosage forms. Nanoparticles, liposomes, niosomes, quantum dots and aquasomes are some major different type of nano-biotechnologically developed carrier system. The aquasomesare one of the emerging approach and ideal choice of drug delivery comprises of the nano-particulate self-assembled carrier system. In the development of ceramic nanoparticles, aquasomes proved as a significant drug delivery system. Aquasomes are the three-layered structure, fabricated from the solid crystalline core, coated with carbohydrates on to which biologically active drug molecules are adsorbed. The solid core confers the structural stability, whereas the polyhydroxy oligomer coating protects against dehydration and confers stability to active drug molecules. Formulations of aquasomes are mainly administered by parenteral route but new studies suggest that it could also be administered by other routes. Aquasomes delivers their bioactive molecules via a combination of special targeting molecular shielding and sustained release process. Hydroxyapatite core-based aquasomes are broadly used for the preparation of implants. Aquasomes possess properties of maintaining conformational integrity, and a high degree of surface exposure, which is successfully targeted for the delivery of peptide molecules such as insulin, haemoglobin; enzymes like serratiopeptidase and also aid in targeting vaccine and gene to specific sites. The present article is an attempt to focus on the possible revolutionary applications of aquasomes.