Self-Nano Emulsifying Drug Delivery System: A Potential Solution to the Challenges of Oral Delivery of Poorly Water-Soluble Drugs

Lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) are the most promising technique to formulate the poorly water soluble drugs. Nanotechnology strongly influences the therapeutic performance of hydrophobic drugs and has become an essential approach in drug delivery research. Self-Nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS) are a vital strategy that combines benefits of LBDDS and nanotechnology. SNEDDS are now preferred to improve the formulation of drugs with poor aqueous solubility. SNEDDS are isotropic mixtures composed of oils, surfactants, and occasionally cosolvents. The ability of these formulations and methods to produce nanoemulsions or fine oil-in-water (o/w) emulsions after moderate stirring and dilution by water phase along the GI tract. SNEDDS has garnered attention during recent years as it improves oral bioavailability, reduces drug dose, and increases drug protection from unsuitable environment in the gastrointestinal tract. It can solve the problems related to the dissolution and bioavailability of the Biopharmaceutics Classifcation System Class II and IV drugs. This review shortly describes the ambiguity between nanoemulsions and microemulsions, mechanism of self-emulsifications, composition and function of various excipients of SNEDDS. This review discusses characterization of SNEDDS, advantage of SNEEDS over other emulsion, biopharmaceutical aspects, and limitation as well as future views. The SNEDDS is a potential formulation for drug delivery. Owing to its small particle size, large surface area, high encapsulation efficiency, and high drug loading, the SNEDDS can improve the rate and extent of oral absorption by maximizing drug solubility in the intestinal absorption site. Moreover, because of the lipid-based formulation of SNEDDS, it can stimulate and enhance lymphatic transport of drugs to avoid hepatic first-pass metabolism, and thus improve their bioavailability.