Surfactant-Based Drug Delivery Strategies for HIV/AIDS Therapy: Advances in Formulation and Clinical Translation

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major global health concern, demanding the ongoing development of novel therapy techniques. Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has considerably increased the life expectancy of HIV patients; yet, obstacles such as drug resistance, low bioavailability, systemic toxicity, and viral persistence continue to prevent complete viral eradication. Surfactants, which are amphiphilic molecules with customizable physicochemical properties, have emerged as attractive options for HIV treatment due to their ability to increase drug solubility, stability, and targeted administration. The present paper provides a detailed overview of surfactants' function in HIV/AIDS therapy, with a focus on medication administration, direct antiviral mechanisms, and microbicide formulations. The use of surfactant-based nanotechnology into antiretroviral therapy has resulted in the development of liposomes, polymeric micelles, nanoemulsions, and surfactant-modified biomaterials that provide controlled release and increased bioavailability of antiretrovirals. Furthermore, many surfactants have inherent antiviral activity, which disrupts the viral lipid envelope, inhibits viral replication, and prevents HIV from entering host cells. The paper also explores the potential of surfactant-based biosensors for HIV diagnostics, emphasizing their role in improving sensitivity and selectivity and recent progress in formulation design using surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate, poloxamers, and biosurfactants, emphasizing their safety, biocompatibility, and clinical potential. Key challenges including scalability, environmental impact, and user acceptability are discussed alongside emerging AI-driven approaches for personalized nanomedicine. Despite their potential, surfactant-induced cytotoxicity, inflammation, and poor long-term biocompatibility remain major hurdles. Developing safe, biocompatible surfactants with optimal pharmacokinetics is essential for advancing HIV/AIDS therapy. This study explores emerging trends, key challenges, and future prospects in surfactant-based approaches, aiming to bridge fundamental research with clinical application.