Cubosomes as targeted drug delivery systems - a biopharmaceutical approach.

Cubosomes are reversed bicontinuous cubic phases and possess unique physicochemical properties. These special systems are receiving much attention for the delivery of various hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic drugs with enhanced bioavailability and high loading capacity. A wide variety of drugs are applicable for cubosome formulation for various routes of delivery. The lipids used in cubosome formulation are more stable and offer stability to the formulation during shelf-life. The article reviews about the back ground, techniques of cubosome preparation such as high pressure homogenization, probe ultrasonication and automated cubosome preparation; and also methods of cubosomes preparation such as top down, bottom up and other methods with pictorial presentation. This article emphasizes the phase transition and also targeted approaches of cubosomes. The characterization studies for cubosomes such as cryo transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy followed by in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation studies of cubosomes were explained with appropriate examples. Recent applications of cubosomes were explained with reference to flurbiprofen, odorranalectin, diazepam and dexamethasone. The advantages, disadvantages and limitations of cubosomal technology were emphasized.