Abstract

AQUASOMES: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THEIR STRUCTURE, PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND APPLICATIONS IN DRUG DELIVERY

Ayushi Patidar*, Dr. Praveen Khirwadkar, Dr. Tanu Bhargava, Dr. Kamlesh Dashora, Kajal Gehlot

Institute of Pharmacy, Samrat Vikramaditya Vishwavidyalaya, Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, India.

Abstract

Aquasomes are self-assembled nanocarrier systems composed of three main components: a nanocrystalline ceramic core, carbohydrate coating, and an outer layer of adsorbed drug or bioactive molecules. The therapeutic molecules are associated with the coated surface through non-covalent interactions. The hydrated microenvironment created by the carbohydrate layer may help maintain the structural integrity and biological activity of adsorbed molecules. This hydrated environment may help protect sensitive therapeutic molecules from structural changes during formulation, storage, and administration, making aquasomes a potential carrier for their delivery. Aquasomes were developed from the concept of preserving the hydrated interfacial environment surrounding sensitive biological macromolecules, particularly proteins and polynucleotides. Aquasomes have been investigated for drug delivery through several routes, including oral, topical, ocular, and parenteral administration. Their potential applications have been explored in targeted drug delivery, cancer therapy, antimicrobial therapy, vaccine delivery, and regenerative medicine. This review discusses the concept, development, components, preparation methods, characterization, pharmaceutical applications, and future prospects of aquasomes. The distinctive structural and functional characteristics of aquasomes make them a promising platform for drug and bioactive molecule delivery.

Keywords: Aquasomes; Nanocarrier; Self-assembly; Ceramic core; Carbohydrate coating; Drug delivery