Review on Aquasomes for Sustained and Novel Drug Delivery

Abstract

Aquasomes represent a sophisticated class of self-assembling nanoparticle drug delivery systems engineered to enhance the stability, bioavailability, and overall therapeutic efficacy of pharmacological agents through targeted, sustained release. Structurally, these nanocarriers feature a unique three-tier architecture: a solid ceramic core, a protective polyhydroxy oligomer coating, and the actively adsorbed bioactive payload. This specific configuration excels at preserving the three-dimensional conformation and biological activity of fragile molecules, making aquasomes ideal vehicles for proteins, peptides, enzymes, and poorly water-soluble therapeutics. This review comprehensively examines the formulation strategies, synthetic methodologies, and evaluation metrics associated with aquasomes, with a primary focus on their utility in sustained drug delivery. The fundamental manufacturing phases core synthesis, carbohydrate coating, and drug immobilization are detailed alongside critical physicochemical characterization parameters, including particle morphology, size distribution, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release kinetics. Furthermore, this paper synthesizes recent technological advancements, clinical applications, inherent limitations, and future potential. By extending circulation half-life, minimizing dosing frequency, and ensuring active ingredient stability, aquasomes offer a highly promising platform for advanced therapeutics. Ongoing research and protocol optimization will be crucial for translating these innovative nanocarriers into viable clinical treatments for complex and chronic diseases. Recent advances in surface engineering, ligand functionalization, and targeted drug delivery have significantly expanded the therapeutic potential of aquasomes. Despite promising preclinical findings, large-scale clinical studies remain limited. Future research should focus on scalable manufacturing, regulatory approval, and clinical translation of aquasome-based formulations.

Keywords: Aquasomes; Nanoparticles; Sustained drug delivery; Targeted drug delivery; Ceramic core; Drug delivery systems