Abstract

NANOEMULSION BASED HYDROGELS: A REVIEW

Raman Gupta*, Twinkle Garg and Dr. R.B. Sharma

ABSTRACT

Nanoemulsion based hydrogels are oil in water based nanoemulsion that are encapsulated in gelling agent. The nanoemulsions are colloidal dispersions containing oil phase, aqueous phase, surfactant and co-surfactants. The droplet size of nanoemulsion ranges from 100-600 ŋm. The nanoemulsion based hydrogels are easy to prepare, viable, non toxic, non-invasive, cost effective and most importantly helps in encapsulation of lipophilic drugs. The topical drug delivery of nanoemulsion based hydrogels is made easier with this method and increases patient compliance. They have found its application in several industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetic, biotechnology and food industry. Several researchers have focused on developing transdermal or topical systems using Nanoemulsion based hydrogels as it is the most effective approach for lipophilic drugs. Generally, nanoemulsions are prepared by two methods high energy method and low energy method. This review focuses on the nanoemulsion advantages, disadvantages, physical properties, components and preparation methods of nanoemulsion based hydrogels.

Keywords: Nanoemulsions, Lipophilic drugs, Hydrogels, topical route, transdermal, hydrophilic drugs, skin barrier system.