Microwave-Assisted Solubility Enhancement Techniques: A Review

Solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs remains a critical challenge in pharmaceutical development. Microwave-assisted techniques have emerged as a promising approach to address this issue due to their rapid, energy-efficient, and uniform heating mechanisms. These methods improve drug solubility and dissolution rates through various formulations, including solid dispersions, nanosuspensions, and inclusion complexes.  The use of microwave irradiation facilitates molecular dispersion and amorphization of drug particles, enhancing their bioavailability. This review comprehensively explores the principles, mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of microwave-assisted solubility enhancement. Furthermore, comparisons with conventional techniques and potential applications in drug delivery systems are discussed, highlighting the method's growing relevance in modern pharmaceutical research.