Vol. 8, Issue 1, Part A (2026)

This comprehensive review examines the potential of bigels, an innovative semi-solid system that combines hydrogels and organogels, as a platform for sophisticated topical applications. Bigels possess a distinct combination of characteristics, combining the hydrophilic properties of hydrogels with the lipophilic attributes of organogels. The hydrogel portion, made up of water-loving polymers such as carbopol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and alginate, offers significant water absorption capabilities and compatibility with biological fluids. Meanwhile, the organogel segment, consisting of non-polar liquids like organic solvents or oils, allows for the inclusion of lipophilic active ingredients. By taking advantage of the complementary properties of bigels, this platform can be customized to facilitate a variety of topical uses, including transdermal drug delivery, promoting wound healing, and developing cosmetic products. The bigel system can be optimized to display particular porosity, crosslinking density, and release kinetics, enabling the regulated release of active compounds. This groundbreaking platform has the ability to transform the realm of topical applications, delivering enhanced effectiveness, stability, and patient adherence. This review seeks to explore the formulation, characterization, and assessment of bigels as a flexible platform for cutting-edge topical applications, setting the stage for the creation of new, effective, and safe products.