Phytogenic microemulsions: Boosting solubility, bioavailability and safety of insecticidal formulations against insect pests and vectors – A comprehensive review

Phytogenic, also known as plant-based microemulsions (MEs) are adaptable and sustainable nanosystems that are extensively employed in food science, biotechnology, detergents, medicine delivery, and cosmetics. These liquid colloidal systems are distinguished by their tiny size, usually less than 100 nm. They are less viscous, optically transparent, thermodynamically most stable formulations and facilitate to administer both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs of interest because of their enhanced bioavailability, absorption behavior, capacity to emulsify weakly water-soluble compounds, and enhanced shelf life. Phytogenic microemulsions address the limitations of conventional insecticides, which typically have poorly water-soluble active ingredients, harm the environment, human health, and non-target organisms, and foster resistance in targeted species. Therefore, phytogenic microemulsions are regarded as excellent and safe delivery systems for insecticidal formulations. This instructional review offers a thorough insight of the current status of the MEs as novel drug delivery systems against the vectors, agricultural pests, and insects of major concern thereby addressing global challenges. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide an overview of the formulation, characterization, and applications of MEs across diverse domains, with a particular emphasis on their effectiveness against insect pests and vectors.