Organogels: A Versatile Drug Delivery Tool in Pharmaceuticals

Organogels have been explored as a versatile tool in pharmaceuticals for topical as well as transdermal delivery of various drugs. These are semisolid systems consists of apolar phase and a solid phase. Gels are formed by the mechanism of entrapment of a polar phase into the three-dimensional networked structure of solid phase. Apolar phase is used as a solvent such as isopropyl palmitate, isopropyl myristate etc. Solid phase is an organogelator such as sorbiatan monostearte, lecithin etc. These systems are good carrier for both hydrophilic and lipophilic therapeutic agents. The present review describes some of the important properties of organogel, different types of organogel based on organogelator, method of preparation and various applications in pharmaceuticals.