Published Paper Details:

Cubosomes are innovative lipid based nanocarriers distinguished by their unique cubic crystalline structure, composed of bicontinuous lipid bilayers that form a three-dimensional network separating hydrophilic and hydrophobic domains. This architecture enables them to encapsulate a wide variety of bioactive compounds, including hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and amphiphilic molecules, making them highly versatile in controlled and targeted drug delivery. Their structural adaptability, biocompatibility, and thermodynamic stability give them a clear advantage over traditional carriers such as liposomes. Cubosomes can be synthesized using two main approaches: the top-down method, which involves mechanical dispersion of bulk cubic phases, and the bottom-up method, based on molecular self-assembly aided by hydrotropes. Glyceryl monooleate (GMO) and phytantriol (PHTY) are commonly used lipid matrices, while Pluronic F127 serves as a stabilizer to prevent aggregation. The drug release mechanism typically follows Higuchi's diffusion-controlled model, influenced by lipid composition, particle size, and drug characteristics. Theoretical models such as those by Fontell & Drew, Gustafson, and Schwarz Jacob Anderson explain cubic phase formation through molecular geometry and packing parameters. Due to their strong bio adhesion and high skin permeability, cubosomes are effective in topical and transdermal drug delivery, improving drug absorption and bypassing first-pass metabolism. Surface modification with polymers like chitosan further enhances their stability, targeting precision, and sustained release behaviour. Despite challenges such as high viscosity, limited hydrophilic drug loading, and scale-up difficulties, cubosomes hold significant promise as next-generation nanocarriers for cancer therapy, transdermal systems, and other biomedical applications.