Abstract

SELF-MICROEMULSIFYING DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM (SMEDDS) FOR INCREASING DRUG SOLUBILITY AND DISSOLUTION – A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Siddhesh Sunil Tamboli*, Gayatri Kishor Panigrahi, Deep Prashant Raut, Aniket Neelesh Timble, Anand Sunil Dhumal, Prashant Rajendra Mahajan

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Abstract

Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) have become a promising approach for enhancing the bioavailability of poorly watersoluble drugs. SMEDDS offer several advantages, including improved solubility, enhanced absorption, and increased bioavailability, which can lead to reduced drug dosages and more consistent therapeutic outcomes. Unlike conventional emulsions, SMEDDS spontaneously form fine oil-in-water microemulsions upon mild agitation in the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating the need for high-energy input and ensuring uniform and stable formulations. However, SMEDDS also present challenges, such as the need for precise selection and optimization of their components to ensure compatibility and stability, and potential gastrointestinal side effects due to surfactants and cosurfactants. Characterization of SMEDDS typically includes assessing droplet size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, and drug loading efficiency, using techniques such as dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. SMEDDS have wide- ranging applications, notably in improving the oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs and enabling the delivery of drugs with challenging physicochemical properties, across various therapeutic areas including cardiovascular, oncology, and infectious diseases. In summary, SMEDDS offer a versatile and effective approach for drug delivery, overcoming many limitations of traditional systems and paving the way for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

Keywords: Unlike conventional emulsions, SMEDDS spontaneously form fine oil-in-water microemulsions upon mild agitation in the gastrointestinal tract, eliminating the need for high-energy input and ensuring uniform and stable formulations.