Core-gelled Microemulsions for Modified Release: A Nanostructured Platform to Overcome Biopharmaceutical Barriers of Hydrophobic Drugs

• Grant number: 25/11620-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: October 01, 2025
• End date: September 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Pharmacy - Pharmaceutical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Lucas Amaral Machado
• Grantee: Tayná Oliveira de Jesus
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas (FCFAR). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Araraquara. Araraquara , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The increasing demand for more effective, safer, and patient-compliant pharmaceuticalformulations has driven the development of modified release drug delivery systems,particularly for bioactive compounds with poor aqueous solubility. In this context, gelledmicroemulsions emerge as promising platforms, combining physicochemical stability,solubilization capacity, and nanoscale release control. This project proposes the developmentand evaluation of a gelled internal phase microemulsion (MeGel) as a nanostructured systemfor modified topical delivery, using curcumin-a hydrophobic model compound-as abiopharmaceutical performance marker. Conventional (MeLiq) and gelled (MeGel)microemulsions will be formulated and compared in terms of stability, release profile, skinpermeation and diffusion, as well as cytocompatibility with human keratinocytes (HaCaT).The innovative aspect of this approach lies in the internal structuring of microemulsionthrough gelation of the oil phase, which enhances topical retention and enables controlleddrug release, addressing challenges such as rapid degradation, first-pass metabolism, and lowbioavailability. Curcumin is used solely as a model compound due to its well-establishedcharacterization and known formulation challenges. The expected outcomes of this study aimto provide proof-of-concept for the application of MeGel as a versatile platform, potentiallyadaptable to other BCS Class II drugs, thus advancing topical delivery technologies and thedevelopment of innovative pharmaceutical products.