A COMPLETE REVIEW ON QUATSOMES

Quatsomes are emerging nanovesicular drug delivery systems composed of single-chain quaternary ammonium surfactants and sterols that exhibit exceptional physicochemical stability, high drug-loading capacity, and low polydispersity. Their unique bilayer architecture enables the encapsulation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic therapeutic agents while maintaining structural integrity under dilution and varying storage conditions. This review provides a comprehensive overview of quatsomes, including their composition, physicochemical properties, advantages, limitations, formulation additives, preparation techniques, characterization methods, and biomedical applications. Various fabrication methods such as thin-film hydration, ethanol injection, microfluidics, DELOS-susp, and sonication are discussed with emphasis on their underlying principles and influence on vesicle characteristics. The review also summarizes essential characterization parameters, including particle size, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, morphology, and cytotoxicity evaluation. Furthermore, the therapeutic potential of quatsomes in targeted drug delivery, gene delivery, cancer therapy, bioimaging, and cosmetic applications is highlighted. Despite challenges related to large-scale manufacturing, regulatory approval, and limited clinical evidence, quatsomes demonstrate significant promise as next-generation nanocarriers due to their enhanced stability, controlled drug release, and versatile surface functionalization capabilities. Continued research focusing on translational studies and clinical validation is expected to facilitate their future pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.