Micellar solubilization of drugs.
OBJECTIVE
Micellar solubilization is a powerful alternative for dissolving hydrophobic drugs in aqueous environments. In this work, we provide an insight into this subject.


METHODS
A concise review of surfactants and micelles applications in pharmacy was carried out.


RESULTS
Initially, a description of surfactants and aqueous micellar systems is presented. Following, an extensive review on micellar drug solubilization, including both the principles involved on this phenomenon and the work already done regarding solubilization of drugs by micelles is presented. The application of micelles in drug delivery, in order to minimize drug degradation and loss, to prevent harmful side effects, and to increase drug bioavailability, is also presented. Special emphasis is given to the more recent use of polymeric micelles. Finally, we briefly discuss the importance of surfactants and micelles as biological systems models as well as its application in micellar catalysis.


CONCLUSIONS
As can be seen from the review presented, the use of micelles in pharmacy is an important tool that finds numerous applications.
Rangel-Yagui
Carlota Oliveira
CO
Department of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Technology /FCF, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. corangel@usp.br
Pessoa
Adalberto
A
Tavares
Leoberto Costa
LC
D008823:Micelles; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D012995:Solubility; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*
D008823:Micelles; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations