Recent Advances in Development of Vesicular Carrier for Transdermal Drug Delivery: A Review

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery has gained significant attention as a non-invasive and convenient method for administering drugs. However, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, poses a significant barrier to drug permeation. To overcome this challenge, vesicular carriers have emerged as promising systems for enhancing drug delivery through the skin. This review highlights recent advances in the development of vesicular carriers for transdermal drug delivery. Liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, ethosomes, and solid lipid nanoparticles are among the commonly used vesicular carriers. These carriers offer advantages such as improved drug solubility, prolonged drug release, and enhanced drug stability. Additionally, they can encapsulate a wide range of drugs, including hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds. Various strategies have been employed to optimize vesicular carriers for transdermal drug delivery. These include modifying the vesicle composition, size, and surface charge to enhance skin penetration. The incorporation of penetration enhancers, such as surfactants, has also been explored to improve drug permeation across the skin. Furthermore, advancements in nanotechnology have led to the development of novel vesicular carriers, such as nanostructured lipid carriers and elastic liposomes. These carriers offer improved drug loading capacity, sustained release profiles, and enhanced skin penetration. Moreover, the use of vesicular carriers has shown promise in delivering a wide range of therapeutic agents, including small molecules, peptides, proteins, and genetic material. The ability to encapsulate and deliver these diverse drug entities opens new possibilities for transdermal drug delivery in various therapeutic areas.