Recent advances in drug delivery aspects using Organogel: Exploring a viscoelastic system as a platform for the next-generation therapeutics

Organogels are semi-solid systems composed of a three-dimensional network of self-assembled gelator fibres. Despite their liquid composition, organogels exhibit solid-like behaviour due to the immobilization of the organic liquid phase by the self-assembled gelator fibres. This unique property makes organogels promising candidates for drug delivery systems in pharmacology. Various techniques, including gelation and assembly methods, have been employed to fabricate organogels. Extensive research has been conducted to thoroughly explore and characterize organogels, making them suitable as matrices for controlled drug release. Organogels have found applications in a wide range of drug administration methods, including transdermal, oral, and parenteral routes. Recent advancements in organogel research have sparked interest in investigating innovative applications. For instance, organogels have been explored as novel materials for tissue engineering, providing a scaffold for cell growth and regeneration. The ability of organogels to encapsulate and protect sensitive ingredients has also been harnessed in the field of encapsulation technology. In this review, we have focused on role of organogel specifically as drug delivery systems in terms of syntheses, characterizations, and properties. It focuses on the most up-to-date technologies and recent therapeutic applications that could be employed as controlled delivery methods in the construction of organogels.