Recent Advances in the Use of Cubosomes as Drug Carriers with Special Emphasis on Topical Applications

Cubosomes, due to their liquid crystalline structure, offer promising applications in topical drug delivery for skin and eye diseases by enhancing bioadhesion, retention, and sustained release of drugs. This review highlights their use in treating conditions such as psoriasis, skin cancer, acne, alopecia, and various eye diseases. Key factors influencing cubosome formation include the phase transition behavior of glyceryl monooleate and stabilizer concentration. Recent advances like microfluidics-based approaches have improved cubosome stability. The review also addresses manufacturing and biological challenges, emphasizing the importance of overcoming skin and ocular barriers for effective clinical outcomes. Patented products demonstrate the successful integration of cubosomes in cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals.