Unleashing the Potential of Cubosomes to Overcome Ocular Barriers in Precision Drug Delivery

ABSTRACT The complex structure of the human eye presents significant challenges for administering drugs, particularly in the treatment of disorders affecting the anterior and posterior segments. Traditional ocular formulations, which involve eye drops, are limited by low absorption, rapid tear turnover, and anatomical barriers, necessitating repeated administration and thereby limiting therapeutic efficacy. Recent advances in nanotechnology have led to the development of new pharmaceutical delivery methods, with cubosomes emerging as a promising approach. Cubosomes are nanostructured lipid carriers with a unique honeycomb‐like cubic lattice composed of bicontinuous lipid bilayers and aqueous channels. Due to their unique structure, they are capable of encapsulating amphiphilic, hydrophobic, and hydrophilic compounds, resulting in controlled and extended drug release. Furthermore, their small particle size, bioadhesive properties, and biocompatibility increase corneal retention and permeability, making them a promising approach for ocular therapy. This review focuses on the advantages of cubosomes in overcoming ocular barriers, discussing their preparation methods, which include both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches, as well as spray drying and microfluidic methods. Additionally, it explores optimization strategies that target particle size, surface charge, and viscosity to enhance efficacy. Though cubosomes offer transformative potential, challenges such as scalability, excipient‐induced pain, and regulatory hurdles persist.