INTRODUCTION:

Nanotechnology has emerged as a groundbreaking field with transformative potential in various scientific disciplines, and its applications in medicine have sparked a revolutionary shift in drug delivery strategies¹.

The quest for safer, more efficient, and targeted drug delivery systems has driven researchers to explore innovative nanocarriers capable of overcoming traditional pharmaceutical limitations. Among the various nanotechnology-based solutions, Aquasomes have captured significant attention and intrigue as a promising frontier in nanotechnology-based drug delivery².

Conventional drug delivery systems often face challenges related to poor solubility, limited stability, low bioavailability, and non-specific targeting, leading to suboptimal therapeutic outcomes and increased side effects. The introduction of nanocarriers aimed to tackle these issues, offering solutions to effectively encapsulate, protect, and deliver therapeutic agents to their intended sites of action³.

Aquasomes represent a unique class of nanocarriers characterized by their three-dimensional nanostructures, composed of a solid core and a biocompatible polymer coating, stabilized by surfactants⁴. What sets Aquasomes apart from conventional carriers is their water-loving (hydrophilic) nature, allowing them to carry and encapsulate hydrophobic drugs, a challenging feat for many drug delivery systems. The hydrophilic nature of Aquasomes not only enables the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs but also enhances their solubility and stability, which are critical factors for efficient drug delivery. One of the most exciting facets of Aquasomes lies in their ability to facilitate targeted drug delivery. The surface modifications of Aquasomes can be engineered to carry targeting ligands, directing drug-loaded Aquasomes to specific cells or tissues. This targeted approach holds the promise of minimizing off-target effects, reducing systemic toxicity, and enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs⁵. By delving into the applications of Aquasomes in targeted drug delivery, we seek to shed light on the advancements and challenges in achieving precision medicine with these innovative nanocarriers.

The synthesis of Aquasomes involves intricate processes that dictate their properties and functionality. Through nanotechnology, researchers have achieved precise control over the size, shape, and composition of Aquasomes, tailoring them to accommodate different drug molecules with varying physicochemical properties. This adaptability makes Aquasomes versatile platforms for delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecule drugs, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids, with the potential to revolutionize treatment options for various diseases.

This review embarks on a comprehensive exploration of Aquasomes as a promising frontier in nanotechnology-based drug delivery. We aim to elucidate the fundamental principles governing Aquasome synthesis, their unique properties, and the strategies employed for drug encapsulation. By understanding these key aspects, researchers and clinicians can harness the potential of Aquasomes to tailor drug delivery systems according to the specific requirements of different therapeutic agents. While the promises of Aquasomes in nanotechnology-based drug delivery are captivating, their safe and effective implementation in clinical settings necessitates rigorous evaluation of their biocompatibility and biodegradability. We delve into the existing literature and current research efforts to assess the biocompatibility of Aquasomes and highlight any potential concerns or challenges that warrant further investigation.

AQUASOMES- STRUCTURE AND SYNTHESIS:

Aquasomes, as innovative nanocarriers, boast a distinctive and intricate structure that forms the foundation of their exceptional drug delivery capabilities. Understanding the synthesis methods and the resulting structure is crucial for optimizing Aquasomes properties and tailoring them to specific drug delivery applications.

a) Structure of aquasomes:

The architecture of Aquasomes revolves around a central solid core and a protective polymer coating, typically composed of biocompatible materials. The core of Aquasomes is commonly made up of inorganic materials, such as calcium phosphate, silica, or metal oxides, chosen for their stability and capacity to encapsulate therapeutic agents efficiently. These inorganic cores provide a robust structure that ensures the stability and integrity of the Aquasomes during storage and transportation⁶.

The critical feature of Aquasomes is their hydrophilic nature, attributed to the outer polymeric layer. The polymer coating is primarily composed of hydrophilic polymers, such as gelatin, cyclodextrins, or carbohydrates like starch. This hydrophilic layer plays a dual role in the Aquasome structure: it ensures compatibility with the surrounding aqueous environment and acts as a protective shield for the encapsulated drug molecules. The hydrophilic nature of Aquasomes enables them to stably disperse in water, forming colloidal suspensions that can be easily administered as pharmaceutical formulations⁷.

b) Synthesis of aquasomes:

The synthesis of Aquasomes involves intricate processes that demand precision and control to achieve the desired characteristics. Various methods have been explored to fabricate Aquasomes, each offering unique advantages and tailoring the properties of the final nanocarrier⁸.

Solvent evaporation method:

One common approach for Aquasome synthesis is the solvent evaporation method. This method involves dissolving the drug and inorganic core materials in an organic solvent to form a homogenous mixture. Subsequently, this mixture is emulsified in an aqueous phase containing the hydrophilic polymer. The emulsification process leads to the formation of nanoscale droplets encapsulating the drug and inorganic core⁹. Upon solvent evaporation, the hydrophilic polymer forms a stable shell around the drug-loaded inorganic core, giving rise to Aquasomes.

Coacervation method:

The coacervation method is another technique employed for Aquasome synthesis. In this method, the drug and inorganic core materials are mixed in a solution and subjected to conditions that promote coacervation. Coacervation refers to the phase separation of the polymer solution, resulting in the formation of polymer-rich droplets encapsulating the drug and inorganic core. The coacervate droplets are then solidified to form the final Aquasomes, exhibiting a core-shell structure¹⁰.

Spray drying method:

The spray drying method is a versatile technique for Aquasome synthesis. Here, the drug, inorganic core materials, and hydrophilic polymer are mixed to form a suspension or solution. This mixture is then atomized into fine droplets and subjected to a hot airstream, leading to rapid drying¹¹. The resulting dried particles comprise the Aquasomes with a stable core-shell structure.

AQUASOMES AS NANOCARRIERS- ENCAPSULATION AND DRUG LOADING:

Aquasomes have garnered significant interest as versatile nanocarriers for encapsulating various types of drugs. The unique combination of a hydrophilic polymer coating and a solid inorganic core enables Aquasomes to efficiently entrap and protect a wide range of therapeutic agents, including hydrophobic drugs, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids¹². Understanding the encapsulation processes and drug loading capacity of Aquasomes is crucial for optimizing their performance in drug delivery applications.

a) Encapsulation of therapeutic agents:

The encapsulation process is a critical step in Aquasome synthesis, determining the efficiency and stability of drug incorporation. The encapsulation can occur during the formation of Aquasomes, ensuring that the drug molecules are efficiently entrapped within the hydrophilic polymer coating, and protected by the inorganic core.

For hydrophobic drugs, the hydrophilic polymer layer of Aquasomes acts as a solubilizing agent, enabling the stable dispersion of hydrophobic drugs in the aqueous environment. The drug molecules are integrated into the hydrophobic pockets of the polymer coating, effectively sequestered from the surrounding medium. This property addresses the major challenge of hydrophobic drug delivery by improving their solubility, and it prevents drug precipitation and aggregation, which can occur with conventional delivery methods¹³.

For hydrophilic drugs, the drug molecules can be encapsulated within the inorganic core of Aquasomes, benefiting from the protective nature of the solid core. This approach ensures the stability and controlled release of hydrophilic drugs within the Aquasome structure, avoiding premature degradation and enhancing their therapeutic efficacy.

b) Drug loading capacity:

The drug loading capacity of Aquasomes is a crucial parameter influencing their effectiveness as nanocarriers. It refers to the amount of drug that can be loaded into the Aquasome structure, and it directly impacts the dosage and release kinetics of the encapsulated drug.The drug loading capacity of Aquasomes is influenced by several factors¹⁴:

Core composition:

The choice of inorganic core material affects the drug loading capacity. Different materials possess varying surface properties, porosity, and surface area, influencing their ability to accommodate drug molecules.

Hydrophilic polymer coating:

The composition and thickness of the hydrophilic polymer layer determine the capacity to encapsulate hydrophobic drug molecules. A thicker coating can provide more hydrophobic pockets for drug entrapment.

Drug properties:

The physicochemical properties of the drug, such as molecular weight, solubility, and charge, influence its interaction with Aquasomes. Hydrophobic drugs tend to have higher loading capacities due to their compatibility with the polymer coating.

Synthesis Conditions:

The parameters employed during the synthesis process, including temperature, pH, and mixing ratios, can affect the drug loading capacity of Aquasomes.

It is essential to optimize the drug loading process to achieve high encapsulation efficiencies and desired drug release profiles. The controlled drug release from Aquasomes ensures a sustained and targeted therapeutic effect, reducing the frequency of administration and minimizing side effects.

APPLICATIONS OF AQUASOMES AS NANOCARRIERS:

The ability of Aquasomes to encapsulate both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs expands their applicability in diverse therapeutic areas. Aquasomes have shown promise in improving the delivery of anticancer agents, antiviral drugs, anti-inflammatory agents, and various other therapeutics.

a) Anticancer therapy:

In anticancer therapy, Aquasomes can encapsulate hydrophobic chemotherapeutic drugs, enhancing their solubility and improving their selective delivery to tumor tissues. This targeted drug delivery approach minimizes systemic toxicity and off-target effects, leading to enhanced therapeutic efficacy¹⁵.

b) For gene delivery:

Aquasomes have been investigated as potential carriers for nucleic acids, such as siRNA and mRNA. The protective inorganic core shields the delicate nucleic acids from enzymatic degradation, and the hydrophilic polymer coating facilitates cellular uptake and intracellular release, promoting efficient gene silencing or expression¹⁶.

c) Protein and peptide delivery:

Aquasomes have also shown promise in delivering proteins and peptides, such as insulin and growth factors. The controlled release and enhanced stability of these biopharmaceuticals achieved through Aquasomes can improve patient compliance and reduce the frequency of administration^12,17.

Advantages and Challenges of Aquasomes in Drug Delivery:

Aquasomes, as a promising frontier in nanotechnology-based drug delivery, offer numerous advantages that set them apart from conventional drug delivery systems. However, like any emerging technology, they also present certain challenges that must be addressed to harness their full potential in clinical applications^10,11,13.

a) Enhanced solubility and stability:

One of the primary advantages of Aquasomes is their ability to solubilize and stabilize hydrophobic drugs. The hydrophilic polymer coating forms a protective shield around the drug molecules, preventing their aggregation and degradation, even in aqueous environments. This feature addresses a significant challenge in drug delivery, allowing Aquasomes to effectively carry and deliver poorly water-soluble drugs.

b) Increased Bioavailability:

Aquasomes efficient encapsulation of drugs and improved stability can lead to enhanced drug bioavailability. The controlled release kinetics of drugs from Aquasomes ensure a sustained therapeutic effect, reducing the need for frequent dosing and improving patient compliance.

c) Versatile Drug Delivery:

Aquasomes demonstrate remarkable versatility in encapsulating a wide range of drug molecules, including hydrophobic drugs, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids. This adaptability opens up new possibilities for delivering various therapeutics, revolutionizing treatments in diverse medical fields¹⁷.

d) Targeted Drug Delivery:

The surface modification potential of Aquasomes allows for the attachment of targeting ligands. This capability enables specific recognition and binding to target cells or tissues, enhancing the selectivity of drug delivery and reducing off-target effects.

e) Biocompatibility and Biodegradability:

Aquasomes are generally composed of biocompatible materials, reducing the risk of adverse reactions and toxicity. Moreover, the inorganic core and hydrophilic polymer coating are often biodegradable, ensuring that they break down into non-toxic byproducts after fulfilling their drug delivery function.

f) Controlled Drug Release:

Aquasomes offer controlled drug release profiles, which can be tailored by adjusting the synthesis parameters. This feature allows for precise control over the drug release kinetics, providing therapeutic agents at optimal rates and reducing sudden bursts of drug release.

Challenges of Aquasomes in Drug Delivery:

a) Synthesis Complexity:

The synthesis of Aquasomes can be a complex process, requiring precise control over various parameters. Achieving uniform particle size, optimal drug loading, and desired drug release profiles demands meticulous experimentation and optimization¹⁸.

b) Stability during Storage:

Maintaining the stability of Aquasomes during storage is a challenge, especially concerning changes in temperature and exposure to humidity. Proper storage conditions and suitable stabilizers are essential to prevent aggregation or premature drug release¹⁹.

c) Biocompatibility and Safety Evaluation:

While Aquasomes are generally considered biocompatible, thorough biocompatibility and safety evaluations are necessary before their translation to clinical settings. Evaluating their potential long-term effects and interactions with biological systems is crucial for ensuring patient safety²⁰.

d) Scale-up and Manufacturing:

Scaling up the synthesis of Aquasomes for large-scale production can present challenges in terms of reproducibility and cost-effectiveness. Establishing robust manufacturing processes is vital for their successful translation into commercial pharmaceutical products²¹.

e) Clearance Mechanisms:

Understanding the clearance mechanisms of Aquasomes from the body is essential for predicting their pharmacokinetics and potential accumulation in specific organs. The fate of Aquasomes after drug release needs careful consideration to avoid any adverse consequences²².

f) Regulatory Approval:

Like any new drug delivery technology, Aquasomes need to undergo rigorous testing and regulatory approval processes before they can be integrated into mainstream medical practices²³.

BIOCOMPATIBILITY OF AQUASOMES

Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a material to coexist with living tissues without eliciting undesirable reactions or toxicity. Aquasomes biocompatibility is influenced by the choice of inorganic core materials, the nature of the hydrophilic polymer coating, and the possible presence of any surface modifications or added ligands^10,23.

a) Inorganic Core Materials:

The choice of inorganic core materials plays a critical role in determining the biocompatibility of Aquasomes. Commonly used materials, such as calcium phosphate, silica, or metal oxides, have been extensively studied for their compatibility with biological systems. Generally, these materials are considered biocompatible and have been used in various medical applications.

b) Hydrophilic Polymer Coating:

The hydrophilic polymer coating surrounding the inorganic core also influences the biocompatibility of Aquasomes. Biocompatible polymers, such as gelatin, cyclodextrins, and starch, are commonly employed. These polymers are known for their low immunogenicity and ability to degrade into non-toxic byproducts.

c) Surface Modifications:

Surface modifications of Aquasomes may be introduced to enhance targeted drug delivery. These modifications should be carefully designed to ensure that they do not compromise the biocompatibility of the nanocarrier. Biocompatibility assessments must consider the impact of such surface modifications on the interactions with biological entities.

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS OF AQUASOMES:

Safety considerations are crucial for evaluating the potential risks associated with the use of Aquasomes as drug delivery carriers. Safety assessments encompass a range of aspects, including acute and chronic toxicity, immunogenicity, potential accumulation in organs, and long-term effects^8,18,24.

Acute and Chronic Toxicity:

Acute toxicity assessments are performed to determine the immediate adverse effects of Aquasomes when administered at high concentrations. Chronic toxicity studies, on the other hand, examine the potential cumulative toxic effects upon repeated exposure over an extended period. These studies provide valuable insights into the safety of Aquasomes over the long term.

Immunogenicity:

The immunogenic response of Aquasomes is a crucial safety consideration. Immunogenicity refers to the likelihood of eliciting an immune response upon interaction with the body's immune system. The presence of foreign materials or surface modifications may trigger an immune reaction, leading to potential adverse effects.

Potential Organ Accumulation:

Understanding the clearance pathways and potential accumulation of Aquasomes in specific organs is vital. Prolonged retention of Aquasomes in certain organs may lead to unintended consequences and must be carefully assessed.

Long-Term Effects:

The safety assessment of Aquasomes should also consider any possible long-term effects that may arise due to their interaction with biological systems. Comprehensive studies are essential to identify and understand any delayed or latent adverse effects.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS:

To advance Aquasomes as viable drug delivery carriers, regulatory authorities require comprehensive safety data to ensure patient safety. Preclinical studies using appropriate animal models are conducted to evaluate biocompatibility and safety. Additionally, the data from in vitro experiments and human cell cultures provide preliminary insights into Aquasomes' behavior in biological environments²⁵.

AQUASOMES IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY:

Targeted drug delivery represents a revolutionary approach to improving therapeutic outcomes by directing therapeutic agents specifically to their intended sites of action. Aquasomes, with their unique structure and surface modification capabilities, have emerged as promising nanocarriers for achieving targeted drug delivery^4,26. The ability of Aquasomes to recognize and bind to specific cells or tissues opens up new possibilities for precision medicine, minimizing off-target effects and maximizing therapeutic efficacy¹⁵.

a) Principles of Targeted Drug Delivery with Aquasomes:

The success of targeted drug delivery with Aquasomes relies on two key principles:

Surface Modification:

Aquasomes can be modified by attaching targeting ligands to their hydrophilic polymer coating. These targeting ligands are designed to recognize specific receptors or antigens expressed on the surface of target cells or tissues²⁷. By introducing these ligands, Aquasomes gain the ability to selectively interact with the target cells, leading to enhanced uptake and accumulation at the desired site.

Enhanced Permeation and Retention Effect:

Aquasomes can take advantage of the Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect, a phenomenon observed in tumor tissues and inflamed areas. The leaky vasculature of these pathological sites allows Aquasomes to passively accumulate due to their small size, leading to prolonged retention at the target location²⁸.

APPLICATIONS OF AQUASOMES IN TARGETED DRUG DELIVERY:

a) Cancer Therapy:

Aquasomes hold immense potential in targeted drug delivery for cancer treatment. By functionalizing Aquasomes with specific antibodies or peptides, they can be designed to recognize and bind to tumor-specific antigens. This active targeting approach allows Aquasomes to selectively deliver anticancer drugs to tumor cells, minimizing damage to healthy tissues¹⁵. Additionally, the EPR effect further enhances drug accumulation in the tumor, amplifying the therapeutic effect.

b) Inflammatory diseases:

Aquasomes can be tailored to target inflamed tissues in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, and atherosclerosis. Targeted delivery of anti-inflammatory agents to these sites can help reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms while reducing systemic side effects²⁹.

c) Infectious diseases:

Targeted drug delivery with Aquasomes can be employed in combating infectious diseases. By attaching ligands specific to pathogenic agents or infected cells, Aquasomes can selectively deliver antimicrobial agents or antiviral drugs to the affected areas, enhancing treatment efficacy and reducing the risk of resistance development.

d) Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders:

Aquasomes hold promise in delivering therapeutics to the central nervous system for the treatment of neurological disorders. Functionalized Aquasomes can traverse the blood-brain barrier and target specific neural cells or regions, offering potential solutions for diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's³⁰.The therapeutic applications of aquasomes, the targeting ligands and therapeutic responses are listed out in Table 1 and the role of aquasomes in targeted drug delivery is shown in Figure 1.

d) Heterogeneity of Targeted Sites:

Tumor tissues and other targeted areas can exhibit heterogeneity, presenting challenges in achieving uniform and efficient targeting across all cells within the region.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS WITH OTHER NANOCARRIERS:

Nanotechnology has witnessed the development of various nanocarriers, each designed to address specific challenges in drug delivery. To understand the unique advantages of Aquasomes as nanocarriers, it is essential to compare them with other prominent nanocarrier systems, such as liposomes, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles^13,14,32,33. A comparative analysis of aquasomes with other nanocarriers is shown in Table 2.

a) Liposomes:

Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of lipid bilayers, capable of encapsulating hydrophilic drugs within their aqueous core and hydrophobic drugs within the lipid bilayers. Liposomes have been extensively studied and employed as drug delivery vehicles due to their biocompatibility and versatility³⁴. They excel in delivering both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. However, liposomes face challenges related to stability during storage, potential drug leakage, and limited drug loading capacity. In comparison, Aquasomes demonstrate higher drug loading capacities for hydrophobic drugs and offer better stability due to their solid inorganic core.

b) Micelles:

Micelles are self-assembled structures composed of amphiphilic molecules, forming a hydrophobic core surrounded by a hydrophilic shell. Micelles efficiently encapsulate hydrophobic drugs in their core. While they offer good drug solubilization and stability, their drug loading capacity can be limited. Additionally, micelles may disassemble upon dilution, affecting drug release rates³⁵. In contrast, Aquasomes offer superior drug loading capacity for hydrophobic drugs and maintain structural integrity even in diluted environments.

c) Polymeric Nanoparticles:

Polymeric nanoparticles are fabricated from biodegradable and biocompatible polymers, allowing for controlled drug release and sustained therapeutic effects. They can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, offering a wide range of applications. However, polymeric nanoparticles may exhibit burst release and encounter challenges with drug stability during synthesis. Aquasomes, with their stable inorganic core and hydrophilic polymer coating, provide better control over drug release profiles and improved drug stability¹⁶.

d) Dendrimers:

Dendrimers are highly branched, nano-sized structures with a well-defined architecture. They can be engineered for precise drug loading and controlled release. Dendrimers are suitable for delivering small molecules and macromolecules, but their synthesis can be complex and expensive³⁶. Aquasomes, with a simpler synthesis process, offer a more cost-effective alternative while still providing efficient encapsulation of a wide range of drug molecules.

e) Carbon Nanotubes:

Carbon nanotubes have unique properties, allowing them to encapsulate drugs in their hollow interior or bind drugs to their surface. They show promise in targeted drug delivery and imaging applications³⁷. However, concerns over potential cytotoxicity and biocompatibility issues must be addressed before widespread clinical use. In contrast, Aquasomes are composed of biocompatible materials and have been extensively studied for their safety profile.

CURRENT RESEARCH AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS:

The field of Aquasomes in nanotechnology-based drug delivery has witnessed significant advancements, and ongoing research continues to explore new frontiers and applications. Researchers are actively investigating various aspects of Aquasomes, from their synthesis and drug loading capabilities to their behavior in biological systems and targeted drug delivery potential. Additionally, efforts are being made to overcome existing challenges and pave the way for their successful translation into clinical settings. In this section, we highlight the current research trends and outline the future directions that hold promise for Aquasomes in drug delivery^9,11.

a) Synthesis Optimization: Current research focuses on fine-tuning the synthesis methods of Aquasomes to achieve precise control over particle size, drug loading capacity, and drug release kinetics. By investigating novel synthesis approaches and parameters, researchers aim to streamline the production process, enhance reproducibility, and facilitate large-scale manufacturing.

b) Surface Modification Strategies: To improve targeted drug delivery with Aquasomes, researchers are exploring various surface modification strategies to enhance their specificity for target cells or tissues. Efforts are directed towards selecting and engineering appropriate targeting ligands with high affinity and specificity for disease-specific biomarkers.

c) Stability Enhancement: Addressing stability issues during storage and circulation remains a priority in Aquasome research. Researchers are investigating new formulation strategies and stabilizing agents to prolong the shelf life and prevent aggregation or drug leakage.

d) Biocompatibility Evaluation: Continued research is being conducted to thoroughly evaluate the biocompatibility and safety profile of Aquasomes. Preclinical studies using various animal models help assess potential toxicities, immunogenicity, and long-term effects, ensuring that Aquasomes are safe for clinical use.

e) Combination Therapies: Combination therapies involving multiple drugs with different modes of action have gained traction in modern medicine. Researchers are exploring the potential of Aquasomes to encapsulate and deliver multiple drugs simultaneously, allowing for synergistic effects and improved therapeutic outcomes.

f) Personalized Medicine: The concept of personalized medicine aims to tailor treatments based on individual patient characteristics. Aquasomes versatility and ability to encapsulate a wide range of drugs make them potential candidates for personalized drug delivery, allowing for patient-specific therapies.

g) In vivo Imaging: Aquasomes surface modification capabilities extend beyond targeted drug delivery. Researchers are exploring their potential as imaging agents for in vivo diagnostics. Functionalizing Aquasomes with imaging probes enables non-invasive imaging to monitor drug distribution, efficacy, and disease progression.

h) Bioresponsive Aquasomes: Future research may focus on developing stimuli-responsive Aquasomes that can release drugs in response to specific triggers, such as changes in pH, temperature, or enzyme activity at the target site. These bioresponsive Aquasomes hold great promise for on-demand drug release and site-specific therapy. The challenges and future directions in aquasome research are shown in Table 3.

Table 3: Challenges and future directions in aquasome research

Challenges	Future Directions
Synthesis complexity	Develop simplified and scalable synthesis methods
Stability during storage	Investigate novel stabilizing agents and formulations
Biocompatibility assessment	Conduct extensive preclinical safety evaluations
Clearance mechanisms	Understand fate of Aquasomes post-drug release
Scale-up and manufacturing	Establish robust and cost-effective production methods
Regulatory approval	Compile comprehensive safety data for regulatory submission
Ligand selection for targeted delivery	Explore new ligands for enhanced specificity
Combination therapies	Investigate synergistic drug combinations
Personalized medicine	Tailor Aquasomes for patient-specific treatments
In vivo imaging	Develop Aquasomes as contrast agents for imaging
Stimuli-responsive Aquasomes	Engineer novel stimuli-responsive coatings

CONCLUSION:

The current research trends in Aquasomes encompass optimization of synthesis methods, surface modification strategies for targeted drug delivery, enhancing stability and biocompatibility, exploring combination therapies, and their potential in personalized medicine and in vivo imaging. As Aquasomes continue to evolve as promising nanocarriers, researchers must address existing challenges and capitalize on their unique properties to revolutionize drug delivery in diverse therapeutic areas. By pushing the boundaries of current knowledge and embracing innovative approaches, Aquasomes hold tremendous potential to shape the future of nanotechnology-based drug delivery and improve patient outcomes in modern medicine.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST:

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

The authors would like to thank Miss M. Vinny Therissa, Assistant Professor, Aditya College of Pharmacy for hertremendous support during the preparation of this review.

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Received on 31.07.2023 Modified on 18.01.2024

Asian J. Pharm. Res. 2024; 14(2):153-161.

DOI: 10.52711/2231-5691.2024.00026

Therapeutic Area	Drug or Payload	Targeting Ligands	Therapeutic Effect
Cancer Treatment	Chemotherapeutic drugs	Monoclonal antibodies	Targeted delivery to tumor cells, reduced off-target effects
Inflammatory Diseases	Anti-inflammatory agents	Peptides	Site-specific drug release, reduced inflammation
Infectious Diseases	Antimicrobial drugs	Ligands for pathogens	Specific targeting of pathogens, enhanced antimicrobial activity
Central Nervous System Disorders	Neurological drugs	BBB-targeting ligands	Drug delivery to the brain, potential treatment for neurological diseases
Genetic Disorders	Nucleic acids (siRNA, mRNA)	Cell-penetrating peptides	Enhanced gene delivery, gene silencing or expression

Nanocarrier	Drug Loading Capacity	Drug Release Control	Targeted Delivery	Biocompatibility	Stability during Storage
Aquasomes	High	Controlled	Yes	Yes	Good
Liposomes	Moderate	Variable	Yes	Yes	Fair
Micelles	Limited	Burst Release	No	Yes	Moderate
Polymeric Nano Particles	Moderate	Controlled	Yes	Yes	Good
Dendrimers	High	Controlled	Yes	Yes	Fair
Carbon Nanotubes	Moderate	Variable	Yes	Concerns	Good