Colloidal Dispersions for Drug Delivery

Colloidal dispersions are recently considered as potential vehicles for drug and gene delivery. These dispersed systems can accommodate a variety of molecules due to their intrinsically compartmentalized nature with polar and non-polar regions separated by definite interfaces. Some drugs perform better when administered in vivo with drug delivery systems. Liposome, noisome, nanoparticle, microemulsion, organogel, hydrogel and polymeric micelle are some such systems which have shown good potentiality for drug delivery through improved solubilization, enhanced uptake, altered pharmakokinetics and biodistribution and reduction in toxic side effects of the drugs as well. The present review briefly describes the studies undertaken on these systems as drug delivery vehicles and their applicability with reference to drugs and their specificities. The prospects of these dispersed systems for pharmaceutical uses have been addressed. Futuristic aspects of these delivery systems have also been indicated.