Application of polymeric surfactants in research and development of drugs applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes.

Abstract

Polymeric surfactants play an important role in the research and development of drugs applied topically to the skin and mucous membranes. Their versatile properties include the ability to lower surface tension, thereby favorably contributing to the energetic balance of the emulsification process during the preparation of various dosage forms. In addition, they offer important structural advantages that enhance the stability of the resulting pharmaceutical or cosmetic products through electrostatic repulsion and steric effects. The influence of viscosity and density should also be taken into account when polymeric surfactants are considered as additives, as these are crucial components of various drug formulations. Emulsions used in ointments and creams are among the most relevant dosage forms affected by surface and interfacial tension phenomena. However, other dosage forms also require the use of surfactants, which may belong to the group of polymeric compounds.