Natural Surfactants-Based Micro/Nanoemulsion Systems for NSAIDs- Practical Formulation Approach, Physicochemical and Biopharmaceutical Characteristics/Performances

Abstract

Considering the superior advantages over traditional formulation approaches, micro/nanoemulsions represent very attractive carriers worth exploring for improving dermal/transdermal delivery of NSAIDs. Currently, natural-origin sucrose esters are of increasing interest for research community, due to their high environmental compatibility, low skin sensitization potential, and skin penetration enhancement. In this context, the present chapter provides an overview of sucrose esters' potential in the development of biocompatible micro/nanoemulsions for topical administration of NSAIDs. The formation and performances of sucrose ester-based micro/nanoemulsions are governed by numerous factors which should be carefully considered, such as (1) chain length and monoester content of the sucrose esters, (2) nature and concentration of the cosurfactant, oil, and aqueous phase, (3) the components' weight ratio, and (4) physicochemical characteristics of NSAID. Therefore, here we review the key researches regarding NSAID-loaded sucrose ester-based micro/nanoemulsions, starting from the formulation design consideration, through physicochemical characterization and dermal/transdermal availability assessment of developed systems.