Ordered 2-D and 3-D nanostructured amphiphile self-assembly materials stable in excess solvent

Abstract

Amphiphile lyotropic liquid crystalline self-assembly materials are being used for a diverse range of applications. Historically, the most studied lyotropic liquid crystalline phase is probably the one-dimensional (1-D) lamellar phase, which has been employed as a model system for biomembranes and for drug delivery applications. In recent years, the structurally more complex 2-D and 3-D ordered lyotropic liquid crystalline phases, of which reversed hexagonal (H(2)) and reversed cubic phases (v(2)) are two prominent examples, have received growing interest. As is the case for the lamellar phase, these phases are frequently stable in excess water, which facilitates the preparation of nanoparticle dispersions and makes them suitable candidates for the encapsulation and controlled release of drugs. Integral membrane protein crystallization media and templates for the synthesis of inorganic nanostructured materials are other applications for 2-D and 3-D amphiphile self-assembly materials. The number of amphiphiles identified as forming nanostructured reversed phases stable in excess solvent is rapidly growing. In this article, different classes of amphiphiles that form reversed phases in excess solvent are reviewed, with an emphasis on linking phase behavior to amphiphile structure. The different amphiphile classes include: ethylene oxide-, monoacylglycerol-, glycolipid-, phosphatidylethanolamine-, and urea-based amphiphiles.

A Novel Chemical Enhancer Approach for Transdermal Drug Delivery with C₁₇-Monoglycerol Ester Liquid Crystal-forming Lipid

“…Cubic and hexagonal LCs are often formed spontaneously by the addition of certain amphiphilic lipids in an aqueous environment 22 . When these LCs are dispersed into nanoparticles by the addition of excess water with stabilizers such as Pluronic copolymers and Myrj series 23,24 , they form stable colloidal dispersions that are termed cubosomes and hexosomes, respectively 25,26 .…”

Design, characterization, and biological evaluation of curcumin-loaded surfactant-based systems for topical drug delivery

“…52 SAXS was carried out in order to confirm the arrangement of the liquid crystalline formulations obtained from PLM. This method can detect the scattering of X-rays related to the interplanar distances with nanometric dimensions; thus, it can characterize systems such as droplets, micelles, and crystalline structures.…”

Lipid-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles as oral drug delivery vehicles for poorly water-soluble drugs: cellular interaction and in vivo absorption

“…In addition, dispersions of liquid crystalline matrices maintain their unique internal structure, with distinct two-dimensional and three-dimensional thermodynamic stability. 15 Thus, they might provide a promising submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.com…”

“…14 In addition, despite their huge surface area, LCNPs have unique two-dimensional and three-dimensional thermodynamically stable properties. 15 Furthermore, lipid-based LCNPs are biocompatible, digestible, and bioadhesive. Therefore, it is believed that LCNPs might serve as novel drug-delivery systems combining the advantages of liposomes and nanoparticles by providing protection and enabling sustained release of agents solubilized in LCNPs.…”