RESULTS:

Bigles are novel formulation merging two phase of hydrogel and organogel revealing dual properties to release active agents based on their lipophilic or hydrophilic nature.

A systematic search was conducted in PubMed Scopus and ISI Web of Science to find eligible studies evaluating the efficiency of bigels in drug release. 20 articles were included in the analysis based on the defined criteria.

The results indicated that several different natural materials were used for bigel making. Span (52.38%) and Sunflower oil (23.80%) were the most solvents used for organogel formation. Also gelatin agar gums and other types of biopolymer were used as hydroglators. Most research (33.33%) focused on the release of metronidazole from bigel structure. Also the range of drug release rates was 1.59 - 100% and in 42.85% of studies was >90%. The nature content and properties of both organogel and hydrogel and some process variables such as temperature mixing speed and storage conditions were highlighted as the main influential factors on bigel formation and its bioactivity.

Bigels are an innovative structure that provides desired physicochemical and rheological properties for industrial applications. Excellent biocompatibility and in vitro / ex vivo results have been documented for developed bigels. In this regard an optimal preparation method is very important to show superior therapeutic effects.