Ethosomes as a carrier for transdermal drug delivery system: methodology and recent developments

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have received significant attention in recent years. TDDS are flexible systems that transport active components to the skin for either localized or systemic delivery of drugs through the skin. Among the three main layers of skin, the outermost layer, called the stratum corneum (SC), prevents the entry of water-loving bacteria and drugs with a high molecular weight. The challenge lies in successfully delivering drugs through the skin, which crosses the stratum corneum. The popularity of lipid-based vesicular delivery systems has increased in recent years due to their ability to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Ethosomes are specialized vesicles made of phospholipids that can store large amounts of ethanol. Ethosome structure and substance promote skin permeability and bioavailability. This article covers ethosome compositions, types, medication delivery techniques, stability, and safety. In addition to this, an in-depth analysis of the employment of ethosomes in drug delivery applications for a wide range of diseases has also been discussed. This review article highlights different aspects of ethosomes, such as their synthesis, characterization, marketed formulation, recent advancements in TDDS, and applications.

Keywords:

• Ethosomes
• carrier systems
• transdermal drug delivery
• phospholipids
• ethanol
• vesicles

Authors’ contributions

All authors contributed to the study conception and design. Material preparation and data collection were performed by Ms. Karishma Mahajan, Dr. Poonam Sharma and Dr. Vikrant Abbot. The first draft of the manuscript was written by Ms. Karishma Mahajan and Dr. Poonam Sharma. Dr. Vikrant Abbot and Dr. Kalpana Chauhan commented on previous versions of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

Disclosure statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Additional information

Funding

The authors Karishma Mahajan and Poonam Sharma are thankful to (DST-SERB Core Grant), Government of India for providing financial assistance in the form of a major research project (Project Reference No. CRG/2022/005837).