A Versatile Nanocarrier—Cubosomes, Characterization, and Applications

Abstract

The impact of nanotechnology on the exponential growth of several research areas, particularly nanomedicine, is undeniable. The ability to deliver active molecules to the desired site could significantly improve the efficiency of medical treatments. One of the nanocarriers developed which has drawn researchers’ attention are cubosomes, which are nanosized dispersions of lipid bicontinuous cubic phases in water, consisting of a lipidic interior and aqueous domains folded in a cubic lattice. They stand out due to their ability to incorporate hydrophobic, hydrophilic, and amphiphilic compounds, their tortuous internal configuration that provides a sustained release, and the capacity to protect and safely deliver molecules. Several approaches can be taken to prepare this structure, as well as different lipids like monoolein or phytantriol. This review paper describes the different methods to prepare nanocarriers. As it is known, the physicochemical properties of nanocarriers are very important, as they influence their pharmacokinetics and their ability to incorporate and deliver active molecules. Therefore, an extensive characterization is essential to obtain the desired effect. As a result, we have extensively described the most common techniques to characterize cubosomes, particularly nanocarriers. The exceptional properties of the cubosomes make them suitable to be used in several applications in the biomedical field, from cancer therapeutics to imaging, which will be described. Taking in consideration the outstanding properties of cubosomes, their application in several research fields is envisaged.

Lamivudine and Zidovudine-Loaded Nanostructures: Green Chemistry Preparation for Pediatric Oral Administration

“…The Miller indices (hkl) associated with these peaks are (110), (111), (200), (211), (220), and (221), respectively [ 30 , 31 ]. Considering these results, the phytantriol-based formulations can be considered cubosomes, which is expected for nanoparticles prepared using this polar lipid [ 9 ].…”

“…In pharmaceutical products, monoolein can be used as emulsifier, solubilizer, absorption enhancer, and in oral drug delivery systems, such as those proposed in this work [ 7 ]. Phytantriol is also nontoxic and biocompatible and is widely used in the cosmetic industry [ 9 ]. Phytantriol was considered nontoxic in acute oral testing and not genotoxic while having low skin penetration [ 10 ].…”

Prospective Subunit Nanovaccine against Mycobacterium tuberculosis Infection─Cubosome Lipid Nanocarriers of Cord Factor, Trehalose 6,6′ Dimycolate

“…In the study reported herein, we use lipid nanocarriers of internal cubic symmetry (cubosomes) for the encapsulation and delivery of TDM. Similar to liposomes, cubosomes are based around the fundamental structure of a lipid bilayer.…”

“…15 The efficacy of lipid nanoparticles in vaccine delivery has been topically exemplified by the BioNTech/ Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, both of which utilize a lipid nanoparticle system to deliver the mRNA. 16,17 In the study reported herein, we use lipid nanocarriers of internal cubic symmetry (cubosomes) 18 for the encapsulation and delivery of TDM. Similar to liposomes, cubosomes are based around the fundamental structure of a lipid bilayer.…”