Nanoemulsion-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Nanoemulsion-based drug delivery systems integrate submicrometric oil-in-water formulations that enhance the solubility, stability and bioavailability of poorly water-soluble anticancer agents. Typically comprising droplets 20–200 nm in diameter stabilised by surfactants and cosurfactants, these systems offer a large interfacial area for drug incorporation and controlled release. Through passive accumulation within tumours via the enhanced permeability and retention effect and through active targeting via surface-bound ligands, nanoemulsions can achieve selective tumour uptake, reduced systemic toxicity and potential circumvention of multidrug resistance mechanisms. Advances in formulation techniques, such as high-pressure homogenisation, ultrasonication and microfluidics, enable precise control over droplet size, polydispersity and surface charge. Surface modification with polyethylene glycol extends circulation time, while conjugation of antibodies or peptides facilitates receptor-mediated internalisation. Multifunctional nanoemulsions further combine imaging agents for theranostic applications, offering simultaneous diagnosis, targeted delivery and real-time monitoring. Collectively, these features underscore the global significance of nanoemulsion-based platforms in delivering chemotherapeutic, immunomodulatory and gene-silencing payloads, with translational potential across oral, parenteral and topical routes.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent studies have demonstrated the co-encapsulation of distinct chemotherapeutic agents within a single lipid-based nanoemulsion to achieve synergistic antitumour effects while minimising off-target toxicity. In one foundational investigation, co-delivery of docetaxel and a natural bioactive compound in an oil-based nanoemulsion resulted in enhanced apoptosis and autophagy induction in breast cancer cell lines at reduced effective doses, suggesting a means to lower adverse side-effects without compromising efficacy. This work also highlighted the importance of droplet size optimisation and surface characteristics in modulating cellular uptake and intracellular trafficking, signalling a significant advance in rational design strategies for combination therapy.

Nanoemulsion-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in nanoemulsion-based drug delivery systems for cancer therapy across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Nanoemulsion: A thermodynamically stable dispersion of two immiscible liquids with droplet sizes typically between 20 and 200 nm, stabilised by surfactants.

Enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect: Passive accumulation of nanoscale carriers in tumour tissue owing to leaky vasculature and poor lymphatic drainage.

Zeta potential: The electrical potential at the slipping plane of a particle, indicating surface charge and colloidal stability.

PEGylation: Surface modification with polyethylene glycol chains to prolong systemic circulation and reduce protein adsorption.

Multidrug resistance (MDR): Cellular defence mechanisms, often involving efflux transporters, that lower intracellular drug concentrations and reduce therapy effectiveness.

Ligand conjugation: Attachment of targeting molecules (e.g. antibodies, peptides) to the nanoemulsion surface to enable receptor-mediated uptake by cancer cells.

References

1. Nanoemulsion: an advanced mode of drug delivery system. 3 Biotech (2014).
2. Current Applications of Nanoemulsions in Cancer Therapeutics. Nanomaterials (2019).
3. Incorporation of docetaxel and thymoquinone in borage nanoemulsion potentiates their antineoplastic activity in breast cancer cells. Scientific Reports (2020).
4. Curcumin Loaded PEGylated Nanoemulsions Designed for Maintained Antioxidant Effects and Improved Bioavailability: A Pilot Study on Rats. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
5. Nanoemulsion Based Targeting in Cancer Therapeutics. Medicinal Chemistry (2015).
6. Multiplexed detection of various breast cancer cells by perfluorocarbon/quantum dot nanoemulsions conjugated with antibodies. Nano Convergence (2014).