Ionic Liquids in Pharmaceuticals

In order to solve the problems associated with the solid form of conventional pharmaceuticals including polymorphic conversion, low solubility, low bioavailability, and the tendency of amorphous forms to spontaneously crystallize, the liquid form pharmaceuticals have attracted much attention. Recent developments of ionic liquids (ionic liquids are loosely defined as salts with melting points below 100 degrees C) might prove beneficial. Ionic liquids exhibit controlled solubility, unique surface activity, high thermostability and enhancement in bioavailability or bioactivity,, which make ionic liquids have the advantage of elimination of polymorphism, new delivery options, or having customized pharmaceutical cocktails. In some cases, an active cation and an active anion can be combined to produce a liquid possessing dual functionality. These make ionic liquids have the possibility of being used in the pharmaceutical industry. The aim of this mini-review is to summarize the recent development of ionic liquids as active pharmaceutical ingredients, antimicrobial agents and agriculture chemicals, and discuss the existing problems and the future research of ionic liquids in pharmaceuticals.