Surfactants: Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Aspects

Abstract

Surfactants are amphipathic substances with lyophobic and lyophilic groups and are critical components in pharmaceutical products. Surfactants have several uses in pharmaceuticals, i) for solubilisation of hydrophobic drugs in aqueous media, ii) as components of emulsions ,iii) surfactant self-assembly vehicles for oral and transdermal drug delivery, iv) as plasticizers in semisolid delivery systems, and v) as agents to improve drug absorption and penetration. Non-ionic surfactants such as ethers of fatty alcohols are most commonly used in pharmaceuticals. Cationic surfactants are capable of exerting antibacterial properties by disrupting bacterial cell membranes. In pharmaceutical processing, phospholipid lecithin, bile salts, certain fatty acids and their derivatives have become indispensable since they afford a uniquely effective and efficient mechanism of drug carriage by solubilising the drugs of fatty origin. The antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activities make biosurfactants relevant molecules for applications in combating many diseases and as therapeutic agents. Biosurfactants have the potential for use as major immunomodulatory molecules, as anti-adhesive biological coating for biomaterials, in vaccines and gene therapy, and they may be incorporated into probiotic preparations to combat urogenetical tract infections and pulmonary immunotherapy. Gemini surfactants are effective potential transfection agents for non-viral gene therapy. Ionic liquids act as secondary surfactants and the use of surfactant/ionic liquid systems should be explored to build specific properties in the organized medium, and to explore pharmaceutical applications of traditional, biosurfactant and Gemini surfactants.

Poly(ester amide) particles for controlled delivery of celecoxib

“…It was also notable that the incorporation of CXB produced particles with higher purity (less surrounding material) in the case of both POSe‐CXB and PBSe‐CXB. As previously reported, it was expected that the CXB could play the role of a surfactant, which could further stabilize the emulsion and allow for morphologically‐optimized particles …”

“…As previously reported, it was expected that the CXB could play the role of a surfactant, which could further stabilize the emulsion and allow for morphologically-optimized particles. 34 High drug loading contents and acceptable encapsulation efficiencies were achieved for both the PBSe and POSe particles. High hydrophobicity of CXB results in its preferential partition into the organic phase, thereby resulting in its encapsulation rather than loss into the aqueous phase.…”

Synthesis of Zno Nanoparticles and their Nanofluid Stability in the Presence of a Palm Oil-Based Primary Alkyl Sulphate Surfactant for Detergent Application

“…Bio-based surfactants are expected to be able to serve as substitutes for petroleum-based ones. Many advantages can be claimed for the use of bio-based surfactants, including biodegradability, low toxicity, and compatibility with people and the environment (Sekhon, 2013). In terms of detergency, the ability of surfactants/detergents can be improved by introducing additives, such as semiconducting photocatalysts.…”

Ionic Behavior Assessment of Surface‐Active Compounds from Corn Steep Liquor by Exchange Resins

“…However, for the inclusion of biosurfactants in industrial formulations it is mandatory to know their ionic nature, as it is going to delimit their potential application. In comparison with synthetic surfactants, biosurfactants are less irritating and more biocompatible [6].…”