Ethosomes: a potential nanovesicular carrier to enhancing the drug delivery against skin barriers

Abstract

Ethosomes, which are liposomes like structures, mainly composed primarily of ethanol, have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to enhance the drug permeation via skin. The article discusses the formulation and preparation methods of ethosomes, offering insights into the various factors that influence their size, shape, and stability. Moreover, it explores the techniques used to assess the physicochemical properties of ethosomes and their impact on drug delivery effectiveness. The article also elucidates the mechanism by which ethosomes enhance skin permeation, emphasising their ability to modify the lipid structure and fluidity of the stratum corneum. Additionally, the review investigates the applications of ethosomes in diverse drug delivery scenarios, including the delivery of small molecules, peptides, and phytoconstituents. It highlights the potential of ethosomes to improve drug bioavailability, extend drug release, and achieve targeted delivery to specific skin layers or underlying tissues.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Ethosomes
• novel drug delivery system
• transdermal drug delivery
• topical drug administration
• review of ethosomes

Acknowledgements

The Figures 1–11 were created using biorender.com.

Author’s contributions

Huma Hameed had the idea for the article. Huma Hameed, Saleha Faheem and Hafsa Ihsan performed the literature search and finished the manuscript, Anam Hameed and Nelofer Ereej worked on figures and table; Mahtab Ahmad Khan made critical revisions and proofread the manuscript.

All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.