Journal of International Research in Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

Cubosomes are nanostructured lipid-based carriers derived from bicontinuous cubic liquid crystalline phases. They are commonly prepared using amphiphilic lipids, particularly glyceryl monooleate or phytantriol, with stabilisers such as Pluronic F127 to maintain colloidal dispersion. Their internal architecture comprises lipid bilayers arranged around interconnected aqueous channels, enabling the incorporation of hydrophilic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic molecules. This review summarises recent progress in cubosome technology, with emphasis on formulation principles, characterisation approaches, drug-loading strategies, release behaviour, surface modification and biomedical applications. Key formulation considerations include lipid matrix selection, stabiliser choice, preparation method and strategies to improve colloidal stability and drug encapsulation. Characterisation techniques, including small-angle X-ray scattering, cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and in vitro release testing, are discussed in relation to cubosome structure and performance. The review also considers surface engineering approaches, including PEGylation, ligand-mediated targeting and stimuli-responsive systems. Biomedical applications include anticancer drug delivery, antimicrobial therapy, ocular, transdermal, oral and brain-targeted delivery, and vaccine-related systems. Although cubosomes have potential as versatile nanocarriers, their clinical translation remains constrained by challenges related to large-scale manufacture, formulation stability, safety evaluation and regulatory standardisation. Further research using systematic formulation design, robust characterisation and relevant preclinical models is needed to support their pharmaceutical and biomedical development.