Nano-emulsion
Fig. 1. Visual aspect of an O/W nano-emulsion and structural conformation of
the droplets.
246 J.M. Gutiérrez et al. / Current Opinion in Colloid & Interface Science 13 (2008) 245–251
formulations are studied for their application as nanocarriers
which allow the treatment of a variety of diseases. The following
are examples of the most recent proposals of drugs solubilized
in nano-emulsions for disease treatments: anticonvulsant
[27], antihypertensive [28] antibiotic [30]; antinflammatory
applied through skin [26]. There are reports on: drugs solubilized
in nano-emulsions for HIV/AIDS therapy [31]; mechanisms of
atherogenesis studied with cholesterol nano-emulsions [32];
cancer therapy investigated by solubilizing the drug in a
cholesterol rich nano-emulsion [33]; intestinal absorption of
three model drugs solubilized in nano-emulsions[34]; efficacy of
a schistosomicidal compound solubilized in nano-emulsions;
[35]; and application of anthrax vaccine through W/O nanoemulsions
[36]. Special magnetic nano-emulsions are also
being studied for medicine applications [37–39]. A recent
review [40] shows extensively potential multifunctional
applications of nanocarriers including nano-emulsions in
pharmacy. As stated in the paper, “multifunctional nanocarriers
could provide almost unlimited opportunities in producing
highly efficient and specialized systems for drugs, genes and
diagnostic agents”. Antimicrobial generic activity of nanoemulsions
is also being investigated [41] with W/O nanoemulsions
that are diluted in water just before application
reverse to O/W emulsions. More specifically, inactivation of
Ebola virus by nano-emulsion was studied [42] with promising
results. It was concluded that nano-emulsions could be used as
disinfectants.