Review Article LIQUID CRYSTALS AS A CUBO-HEXAGONAL TOPICAL CONTROLLED DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Liquid crystals (LCs) are substances that flow like liquids but maintain some of the structure characteristics of crystalline solids. Based on the ways that LCs are generated, they can be classified as thermotropic LCs and lyotropic LCs. The thermotropic is generated by temperature variation in the liquid state, while the lyotropic is formed by dissolving the compound in certain solvents. Either way offers the systems sufficient large amplitude molecular mobility so that molecules can change positions and reorient themselves forming LC phases. The thermotropic LCs usually are one-compound systems, while Lyotropic LCs are always solutions consisting of multiple compounds containing solute and solvent. Lyotropic liquid crystal systems, such as reversed bicontinuous cubic and hexagonal mesophase, are attracting more and more attention because of their unique microstructures and physicochemical properties. And mainly it shows an application such as increase the penetrability, compatibility, bioadhesive properties and sustained release effect due to different phases. The aim of this review article is to scientifically highlight pharmaceutical liquid crystals, its importance in current development of targeted drug delivery system. Objective of this review is also to provide in depth information of pharmaceutical liquid crystal technology which include its latest & advanced technology development