ABSTRACT
Spherulites are small, rounded multilamellar lipidic vesicles that can encapsulate biomolecules and may be used as a carrier for drug delivery. Spherulites resemble liposomes but they are obtained by a simpler process (shearing lamellar phases) and have lamellae up to the very center like an onion. Spherulites offer high encapsulation efficiency, cost-effective method of preparation, uniform structure, enhancement of bioavailability, stability, and high reproducibility of the manufacturing process at any industrial-scale over other multilamellar drug delivery systems such as liposomes and niosomes and environment-friendly technology. Spherulites have the ability to incorporate both hydrophilic and lipophilic active molecules without the use of organic solvents. Peptides and protein molecules quickly degraded in the human body, especially in GIT. Therefore, spherulites are used for the delivery of these molecules as their structure allows protecting them from enzymatic degradation. Oral delivery of the anticancer drug is a main concerning pharmacy. The main issues faced are the poor and variable bioavailability of these drugs when administered through the oral route. Spherulites have been used to solubilize highly insoluble anticancer drugs, providing an aqueous pharmaceutical vehicle for these molecules. The present article highlights the formation of spherulites, confirmed by light scattering studies which revealed the birefringent nature of spherulites and multilayered structure. The prepared spherulites 160were evaluated for drug encapsulation efficacy, drug content, particle size, in vitro drug release, and stability as per ICH guidelines. Thus, this chapter gives emphasis on green and sustainable technology as spherulites are considered as vesicular drug delivery system right from dermatological formulation to vaccines.
