Organogels as a Potential Topical Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Semisolid preparations for external application to skin have gained much demand, since it is easily absorbed through the skin layers. Many novel topical dosage forms have been discovered, among which organogels appears to play an important role. Interest in organogels has increased in a wide variety of fields including chemistry, biotechnology and pharmaceutics. Organogels are thermodynamically stable, biocompatible, isotropic gel, which not only give localized effect, but also systemic effect through percutaneous absorption. Organogels are semi-solid systems, in which an organic liquid phase is immobilized by a three-dimensional network composed of self assembled, intertwined gelator fibers. The apolar phase gets immobilized within spaces of the three-dimensional networked structure formed due to the physical interactions amongst the self assembled structures of compounds regarded as gelators. Organogels have been explored as matrices for the delivery of bioactive agents. Compared to conventional topical dosage forms, these novel formulations are found to be more advantageous and efficient. In future, organogels can give way to many promising discoveries in the field of topical dosage forms. The current review aims at giving an idea about organogels, its applications and importance in topical delivery.

Lecithin Organogel: A Promising Carrier for the Treatment of Skin Diseases

“…Organogels are inherently thermostable, which can be attributed to the ability of the organogelators to self-assemble under suitable conditions to form organogels . The decrease in the total free energy helps the organogel matrix to create a low-energy thermostable system. , At higher temperatures, the molecules within the organogel gain kinetic energy in order to mitigate any structural degradation, whereas at lower temperatures they revert back to their initial structure. , The inherent characteristic of the organogel is accountable for its extended duration of storage, therefore rendering it an ideal carrier for the delivery of therapeutic agents. , …”

Organogel as Drug Delivery System: Review

“…Organogel tends to follow Maxwell model of viscoelasticity. they remain solid at low shear rates and begins to flow under high shear rates due to weak point of physical interaction of fiber matrix 33 . Thermoreversibility Organogel when heated above critical temperature they start flowing.…”

A Review on organogel for skin aging

“…[47] Structural/ physical stability: The organogel do not form semisolids on standing as an organogel consists of macromolecules existing as twisted matted strands. The units having the strong Vanderwaal forces so as to form crystalline amorphous regions throughout the entire system [39] and it maintained for longer periods of time as it is thermodynamically stable, the structural integrity of organogel. [34] Chemical stability: Organogel is organic in character also resist microbial contamination and are moisture insensitive.…”

“…Drug delivery into the skin layers [cutaneous or dermal delivery] and beyond [percutaneous or transdermal delivery] is advantageous because it provides a non-invasive, convenient mode of administration, avoid the first pass metabolism of the active ingredient, an important aspect for highly hepatic metabolized molecules and for drug with short elimination half-life. [39] Safety: use of biocompatible, biodegradable and nonimmunogenic materials makes them safe for long term application. [34]  Drug elimination is independent of gastric emptying.…”