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Organogel: A Propitious Carman in Drug Delivery System
A gel is a semi-solid formulation having an external solvent phase that is either apolar (organogels) or polar (hydrogels) that is immobilized inside the voids contained in a three-dimensional networked structure. Organogels are bi-continuous systems composed of apolar solvents and gelators. When used at a concentration of around 15%, the gelators form self-assembled fibrous structures that become entangled with one another, resulting in the formation of a three-dimensional networked structure. The resulting three-dimensional networked structure blocks the flow of the external apolar phase. Sterol, sorbitan monostearate, lecithin, and cholesteryl anthraquinone derivatives are examples of gelators. The unique characteristics such as thermo-reversibility, viscoelasticity, and versatility impart a longer shelf-life, prolonged drug release, and patient compliance. These characteristics can easily be adjusted by simple formulation modifications, resulting in highly-structured architectures. Organogels are more likely to be used in various types of delivery systems because of their ability to entrap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic molecules inside their structure. Their combination with other materials allows for tailoring their potential as dosage forms. Organogels have potential applicability in numerous ways; hence this article discusses the various aspects of it.
Part of the book: Advanced Drug Delivery Systems