HEXOSOMES: A NEW DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Hexosomes are the opposite hexagonalphases comprised of hexagonally close-packed unbounded water layers covered by surfactants monolayer. Hexosomes (dispersed H_II phases) due to their special structural properties have potential to be used as deferent delivery vehicle for pharmaceuticals. Biologically active molecules can either be accommodated within the aqueous domains or can be directly join to the lipid hydrophobic moieties oriented radially outwards from the center of the water rods.Hexosomes are receiving increasing awareness for preparation of pharmaceutical formulations compared with the corresponding inverse nonlamellar phases due to their low viscosity that ensures ease of preparation and handling, particularly in engineering of parenteral dosage forms and the capability of delivering a wide range of diagnostic probesandtherapeutic agents.Hexosomes formulation exhibited high entrapment efficiency, high permeability and better stability on storage, thus proposing itself a novel carrier for various bioactive agents.

Keywords:  Hexosomes, Reverse hexagonal phases,Drug delivery, Transdermal and Parenteral route.