Abstract

Self-emulsifying systems, such as self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) and self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery systems (SNEDDS), particularly used for enhancing the bioavailability of hydrophobic drugs. This review comprehensively examines the terminologies and mechanisms involved in self-emulsifying systems. The complex nature of self-emulsification is elucidated, encompassing diffusion, interfacial phenomena, and thermodynamic considerations. Three main mechanisms are explored in this review: diffusion and stranding, negative free energy for nanoemulsion formation, and the liquid crystalline (LC) phases formation at the interface. Diffusion and stranding cause rapid diffusion of water-miscible components, forming fine emulsion droplets. However, it lacks a clear thermodynamic explanation. Concept of negative free energy provides a thermodynamic explanation, while the formation of LC phases at the interface is an intermediary event during diffusion-driven self-emulsification. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing optimum self-emulsifying formulation for pharmaceutical delivery, food bioactive delivery, and cosmetic applications.

中文翻译：

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生物医学应用自乳化系统的术语和机制：全面综述

摘要

自乳化系统，例如自乳化药物递送系统（SEDDS）和自纳米乳化药物递送系统（SNEDDS），特别用于增强疏水性药物的生物利用度。这篇综述全面研究了自乳化系统中涉及的术语和机制。阐明了自乳化的复杂性质，包括扩散、界面现象和热力学考虑。本综述探讨了三个主要机制：扩散和绞合、纳米乳液形成的负自由能以及界面处液晶（LC）相的形成。扩散和绞合导致与水混溶的组分快速扩散，形成细小的乳液液滴。然而，它缺乏明确的热力学解释。负自由能的概念提供了热力学解释，而界面处液晶相的形成是扩散驱动的自乳化过程中的中间事件。了解这些机制对于开发用于药物输送、食品生物活性输送和化妆品应用的最佳自乳化制剂至关重要。