Ufasomes: An Advanced Approach to Drug Delivery

Abstract: Ufasomes, vesicular drug delivery systems formed from unsaturated fatty acids and their ionized species, are emerging as potent alternatives to conventional lipid-based carriers like liposomes and niosomes. These vesicles demonstrate remarkable advantages in terms of structural stability, encapsulation efficiency, biocompatibility, and costeffectiveness. Ufasomes are stable within a pH range of 7 to 9, with their bilayer membranes capable of encapsulating both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, which ensures sustained and targeted release profiles. Their preparation is commonly achieved through thin film hydration or alcohol injection methods, utilizing critical formulation variables such as fatty acid type, cholesterol content, and buffer selection to enhance performance. This review highlights the significant strides made in the development and application of ufasomes across therapeutic categories, including anti-inflammatory, antifungal, anticancer, and gene therapy. Research indicates that ufasomes not only enhance drug penetration through biological barriers but also offer sustained drug release, improved bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity. Notable innovations, such as combining ufasomes with niosomes to form novasomes, surfactant stabilization, and fatty acid crosslinking, have further expanded their utility in controlled drug delivery. Ufasomes are especially valuable in topical, transdermal, and intranasal routes of administration, contributing to better patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. They also offer a viable platform for personalized medicine through adaptable encapsulation strategies and targeted tissue delivery. With ongoing research into stability, targeting mechanisms, and combination therapy, ufasomes are poised to further revolutionize modern drug delivery paradigms.