Phytantriol, 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-1,2,3-hexadecanetriol, is frequiently used as a cosmetic ingredient; however, very little is known about its physical and chemical properties. Here, we present the phase behavior of phytantriol in water, as determined by X-ray diffraction. At room temperature, the phase sequence upon increasing the water concentration is reversed micellar, lamellar, cubic phase Q230, and cubic phase Q224. At 44 °C, the cubic liquid crystals are transformed into a reversed hexagonal phase. The temperature−composition phase diagram of phytantriol/water mixtures is, thus, qualitatively similar to that of aqueous glycerol monooleate. The chemical stability of phytantriol makes it an interesting alternative to glycerol monooleate in exploiting various scientific and technical applications of, in particular, the cubic liquid crystalline phases.

Biomacromolecules have transformed our capacity to effectively treat diseases; however, their rapid degradation and poor absorption in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract generally limit their administration to parenteral routes. An oral biologic delivery system must aid in both localization and permeation to achieve systemic drug uptake. Inspired by the leopard tortoise’s ability to passively reorient, we developed an ingestible self-orienting millimeter-scale applicator (SOMA) that autonomously positions itself to engage with GI tissue. It then deploys milliposts fabricated from active pharmaceutical ingredients directly through the gastric mucosa while avoiding perforation. We conducted in vivo studies in rats and swine that support the applicator’s safety and, using insulin as a model drug, demonstrated that the SOMA delivers active pharmaceutical ingredient plasma levels comparable to those achieved with subcutaneous millipost administration.

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