LIQUID CRYSTALLINE SYSTEM: A NOVEL APPROACH FOR DRUG DELIVERY

Abstract

Liquid crystaline system is a thermodynamically stable phase which is characterized by anisotropy. LC’s are also termed as mesophase as they exhibit isotropic properties and fluid-like behavior under some conditions (change in temperature). LC’S are influenced by number of factors such as concentration, temperature, pH, and presence of salt. Liquid crystals are divided on the basis of shape of the molecules into two groups one is calmitic and other is discotic. The various liquid-crystal phases (called mesophases) can be characterized by the type of ordering. The ordering of liquid crystalline phases is extensive on the molecular scale.  The Liquid Crystals are the only holistic representations of the mineral kingdom and most potent form of crystalline energy on earth. Liquid crystal technology has had a major effect many areas of science pharmacy and engineering, as well as device technology. Liquid crystals have a multitude of other uses. They are used for non destructive mechanical testing of materials under stress. As new properties and types of liquid crystals are investigated and researched, these materials are sure to gain increasing importance in industrial and scientific applications such as optical imaging.

Keywords: Liquid crystalline system, crystal technology, mesophase and optical imaging