Colloidal carriers for the enhanced delivery through the skin

Abstract

Background: The skin is the largest organ of our body and acts as a protective barrier with sensory and immunological functions. Its peculiar structure influences the passage of bioactives and only its modulation can facilitate the drug dermal/transdermal diffusion. In the past few years research in this field has assured better use of this application area. Methods: One of the most promising approaches is the use of drug delivery devices; this review explains the state of the art of drug transport through the skin by means of vesicular (classic liposomes, Transfersomes, niosomes and ethosomes) and particulate systems. Results/conclusion: Colloidal drug delivery systems are important in the field of drug delivery systems as their different characteristics make them suitable for various purposes.

Keywords::

• ethosomes
• liposomes
• niosomes
• polymeric particles
• skin delivery
• solid lipid nanoparticles
• transfersomes

Acknowledgement

The authors are very grateful to Lynn Whitted for her revision of the language of this manuscript.

Notes