ETHOSOMES AS ADVANCED DRUG CARRIERS: INSIGHTS INTO DESIGN AND THERAPEUTIC POTENTIAL
Chandramouli B. G.*, Ganesh N. S., J. Adlin Jino Nesalin and Vineeth Chandy
ABSTRACT
Ethosomes are advanced lipid-based vesicular systems designed to enhance transdermal and topical drug delivery. These nanosized vesicles, composed of phospholipids, ethanol and water, enable deep skin penetration for both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs. This review highlights key characterization techniques, including vesicle size and zeta potential analysis (DLS), vesicle shape assessment (TEM) and transition temperature evaluation (DSC). Entrapment efficiency is determined via ultracentrifugation, while drug content is analyzed using HPLC. Surface tension measurement, vesicle stability and skin permeation studies (CLSM) provide further insights into ethosomal properties. Ethosomes have significant applications in pilosebaceous targeting, transdermal hormone delivery, DNA and gene delivery, anti-inflammatory therapy and treatment of psoriasis. Their ability to enhance solubility, stability and bioavailability makes them a promising platform for pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical drug delivery. Future research should address formulation stability and targeted delivery strategies to expand clinical applications.
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