Capric Acid-Based Therapeutic Deep Eutectic Systems: A Focused Review Within the Framework of Deep Eutectic Solvents

TL;DR

Capric acid-based deep eutectic systems enhance drug solubility and delivery while acting as bioactive components.

Contribution

This paper introduces capric acid as a dual-function component in drug delivery systems, acting both as a solvent and a therapeutic agent.

Findings

Capric acid improves drug solubility and stabilizes non-crystalline drug states.

Capric acid enhances transdermal and transmucosal drug permeation through membrane fluidization.

Capric acid exhibits antimicrobial and anticancer effects, acting as a co-therapeutic.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Capric acid (CA)–therapeutic deep eutectic systems (THEDES) are emerging as a distinct class of biofunctional matrices capable of reshaping drug solubilization, permeability, and bioactivity. Methods: Relevant studies on CA–THEDES were identified through targeted database searches and screened for evidence on their design, mechanisms, and pharmaceutical performance. Results: This review synthesizes current evidence on their structural design, mechanistic behavior, and pharmaceutical performance, revealing several unifying principles. Across multiple drug classes, CA consistently drives strong, directional hydrogen bonding and drug amorphization, resulting in marked solubility enhancement and stabilization of non-crystalline or supersaturated states relative to crystalline drugs or conventional solvent systems. Its amphiphilic C10 chain further contributes to membrane fluidization, which explains the improved transdermal and transmucosal permeation repeatedly observed in CA-THEDES. Additionally, synergistic antimicrobial and anticancer effects reported in several systems confirm that CA acts not only as a solvent component but as a bioactive co-therapeutic. Collectively, the reviewed data show that CA serves as a structurally determinant element whose dual hydrogen-bonding and membrane-interacting roles underpin the high pharmaceutical performance of these systems. However, gaps remain in long-term stability, toxicological profiling, and regulatory classification. Emerging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)-guided predictive approaches offer promising solutions by enabling rational selection of eutectic partners, optimal ratios, and property optimization through computational screening. Conclusions: Overall, CA-THEDES represent a rationally designable platform for next-generation drug delivery, where solvent functionality and therapeutic activity converge within a single, green formulation system.

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