Exploring the potential of deep eutectic solvents in pharmaceuticals: Challenges and opportunities

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have gained significant attention over the past twenty years due to their versatile properties and easy preparation methods without the need for extensive purification. DESs show promise as bio-compatible options for pharmaceutical applications, particularly in enhancing solubility, stability, and serving as potential drug delivery systems for active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Understanding the behavior of surfactants in DESs is crucial for developing innovative pharmaceutical applications. This review encompasses a concise history, classification, properties, surfactant based DES systems, and various applications in pharmacy, among other topics. It also explores emerging DES systems and their notable features in improving the bioavailability, permeability, and therapeutic effectiveness of pharmaceutical materials. Additionally, the review discusses DES-based bio-catalyzed transformations and includes key research on preparation, performance, and formulations, along with future challenges, and limitations that need to be addressed for the development of DES-based formulations.