A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON CUBOSOMES: FORMULATION STRATEGIES, EVALUATION TECHNIQUES, AND THEIR ROLE IN ENHANCED TOPICAL DRUG DELIVERY

Cubosomes are emerging lipid-based nanocarriers that have gained considerable attention for their potential in advanced topical drug delivery systems. Formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic lipids into a bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline structure, cubosomes enable the efficient encapsulation of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic drugs while providing controlled and sustained release. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of cubosomes, covering their structural characteristics, key components, types, advantages, and inherent limitations. Various preparation techniques, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, are critically discussed along with their influence on particle size, stability, and drug-loading efficiency. The article also outlines essential evaluation parameters such as particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability studies. Special emphasis is placed on the application of cubosomes in topical and transdermal drug Cubosomes are emerging lipid-based nanocarriers that have gained considerable attention for their potential in advanced topical drug delivery systems. Formed through the self-assembly of amphiphilic lipids into a bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline structure, cubosomes enable the efficient encapsulation of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic drugs while providing controlled and sustained release. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of cubosomes, covering their structural characteristics, key components, types, advantages, and inherent limitations. Various preparation techniques, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, are critically discussed along with their influence on particle size, stability, and drug-loading efficiency. The article also outlines essential evaluation parameters such as particle size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and stability studies. Special emphasis is placed on the application of cubosomes in topical and transdermal drug