Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems: Formulation Insights, Applications and Advances

Abstract

There has been a resurgence of interest in nanoemulsions for various pharmaceutical applications since low-energy emulsification methods, such as spontaneous or self-nanoemulsification, have been described. Self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are anhydrous homogenous liquid mixtures consisting of oil, surfactant, drug and coemulsifier or solubilizer, which spontaneously form oil-in-water nanoemulsion of approximately 200 nm or less in size upon dilution with water under gentle stirring. The physicochemical properties, drug solubilization capacity and physiological fate considerably govern the selection of the SNEDDS components. The composition of the SNEDDS can be optimized with the help of phase diagrams, whereas statistical experimental design can be used to further optimize SNEDDS. SNEDDS can improve oral bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs by several mechanisms. The conversion of liquid SNEDDS to solid oral dosage forms or solid SNEDDS has also been achieved by researchers. Solid SNEDDS can offer better patient compliance and minimize problems associated with capsules filled with liquid SNEDDS.

Keywords::

• nanoemulsion
• oral delivery
• poor bioavailability
• self-nanoemulsification
• solid SNEDDS
• SNEDDS

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Gattefosse India Ltd, Subhash Chemicals, Chika Pvt. Ltd., Gangwal Chemicals Ltd, Signet Chemicals Ltd, BASF India Ltd, Karlshamns AB and Sasol GmBH for providing gift samples of various excipients for our research on self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems. The authors would also like to thank Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Sun Pharma Ltd, Macleods Pharma Ltd, USV Ltd, Lupin Ltd, and IPCA Ltd., for gift samples of various drugs.

Additional information

Funding

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.