Self-Emulsifying Lipid Systems for Oral Delivery: From SEDDS to SNEDDS – Design, Mechanisms and Clinical Translation: A Review

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria

²Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil

³Department of Haematology, School of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

⁴Department of Production Engineering, University of Sao Paulo, Cidade Universitaria, Butanta, Sao Paulo, Brazil

⁵Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, Faculty of Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria

⁶Department of Home Science and Management, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu, Nigeria

⁷Department of Nutrition e Engenharia de Alimentos, UNESP IBICLE, São Jose do Rio Preto

⁸Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

⁹Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, University of Port-Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria

¹⁰University of Regina, 3737, Wascana Parkway, Regina Saskatchewan S4S0A2, Canada

¹¹Department of Chemisty, Science and Technology, Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil

*Corresponding author: Ezegbe Chekwube Andrew, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria & Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas (CCNH), Universidade Federal do ABC (UFABC), São Paulo, Brazil, Brazil, Tel: +2348038042802, E-mails: [email protected]; [email protected]

Received Date: May 18, 2026

Published Date: June 09, 2026

Citation: Ezegbe CA, et al. (2026). Self-Emulsifying Lipid Systems for Oral Delivery: From SEDDS to SNEDDS – Design, Mechanisms and Clinical Translation: A Review. Mathews J Pharma Sci. 10(2):62.

Copyrights: Ezegbe CA, et al. © (2026).

ABSTRACT

Lipid-based drug delivery systems (LBDDS) have emerged as versatile platforms to overcome the biopharmaceutical challenges associated with poorly water-soluble, unstable, and rapidly cleared therapeutic agents. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current applications of LBDDS across multiple routes of administration, emphasizing their role in enhancing solubility, bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery. The discussion begins with oral LBDDS, including self-emulsifying, self-micro-emulsifying, and self-nanoemulsifying systems, which improve the gastrointestinal solubilization and lymphatic transport of BCS Class II and IV drugs, as exemplified by commercial formulations of cyclosporine and testosterone undecanoate. Topical, transdermal, ocular, and pulmonary applications are examined for their ability to enhance skin and mucosal penetration, prolong residence time, and achieve localized therapy with reduced systemic toxicity. Advances in solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers for controlled and sustained release were discussed, alongside surface-modified systems for active targeting to tumors, the central nervous system, and specific cellular receptors. Recent developments in gene and RNA delivery using lipid nanoparticles, immunotherapy platforms, and nutraceutical delivery are also covered, reflecting the expanding scope of LBDDS in precision medicine. Key advantages, including biocompatibility, scalability, and multifunctionality, are balanced against limitations such as physical stability, manufacturing variability, and regulatory considerations. Overall, this review underscores that LBDDS have evolved from conventional emulsions to advanced nanocarriers that enable modern therapeutics, from small molecules to nucleic acids. Future perspectives focus on hybrid lipid-polymer systems, stimuli-responsive carriers, and AI-driven formulation design to further expand clinical translation and patient outcomes.

Keywords: LBDDS, Water-Solubility, Emulsions, Cellular Receptors, Pulmonary Applications.