Nanoemulgels, hybrid topical delivery systems that integrate nanoemulsions into gel matrices, offer a promising strategy to enhance drug permeation, stability, and therapeutic performance. This review summarizes current formulation strategies, constituent selection, manufacturing techniques, characterization methods, and pharmaceutical applications of nanoemulgel systems. Nanoemulsionssubmicron oil-in-water or water-in-oil dispersions stabilized by surfactants and co-surfactantsimprove solubility and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble actives but often suffer from low viscosity and limited topical handling. Incorporation into polymeric gel bases overcomes these limitations, yielding preparations with superior spreadability and patient acceptability. Critical formulation variables, including the choice of oil phase, surfactant/co-surfactant combination, and gelling agent, govern thermodynamic stability, skin permeation, and drug-release kinetics. Commonly applied production methods encompass high-pressure homogenization, ultrasonication, spontaneous and self-nanoemulsification, and phase-inversion techniques. Preclinical and formulation studies indicate that nanoemulgels can provide enhanced dermal and transdermal penetration, sustained release, prolonged local retention, and improved therapeutic outcomes relative to conventional topical dosage forms. Reported applications span transdermal, ocular, vaginal, dental, wound-healing, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer therapies. Collectively, the evidence supports nanoemulgels as a versatile and effective platform for delivering both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with improved clinical performance and patient compliance.
Kundan Sawale, Prasad Deshmukh*, Dipti Ruikar, Ajinkya Shinde, Dehuti Fate, Pallavi Sawwalakhe (Wed,) studied this question.