Ufasomes as Novel Fatty Acid-Based Vesicular Systems for Drug Delivery

Introduction: Ufasomes are gaining attention as effective carriers in drug delivery and biomedical applications owing to their biocompatibility, self-assembly characteristics, and capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. The objective of this review was to offer a thorough examination of the structural characteristics, preparation methods, stability, and potential applications of ufasomes. Ufasomes' advantages over traditional vesicular systems and recent formulation developments have also been discussed. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed within online databases comprising PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, including studies from 1973 to 2024. Keywords, including “ufasomes”, “fatty acid vesicles”, and “lipid-based drug carriers”, were used. Studies involving preparation, characterization, stability, drug encapsulation efficacy, or pharmaceutical applications of ufasomes were included. Insights were gathered descriptively, with comparative analysis used where needed. Results: Biodegradability, structural flexibility, and improved drug entrapment have been found to be among the benefits of ufasomes. Clotrimazole-loaded ufasomes revealed approximately 84% entrapment efficiency, with vesicle sizes measured at less than 250 nm. Stability and specificity have been found to be enhanced in formulations being pH-sensitive and stimuli-responsive. However, challenges, including vesicle instability, oxidative degradation, and large-scale manufacturing, have been found to persist. Discussion: Chemical crosslinking, antioxidant incorporation, and surfactant hybridisation are proposed strategies to overcome limitations and improve therapeutic efficacy. Ufasomes provide enhanced adaptability and customisable formulations compared to conventional systems. Conclusion: Ufasomes present a versatile and efficient drug delivery platform with superior stability, penetration, and bioavailability. Future research must focus on regulatory compliance, targeted delivery, and scalable processes aligned with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to enhance clinical translation.