COLLOID MEDIATED DRUG TRANSPORT ACROSS DERMAL ROUTE: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Abstract

Pressure techniques or Focussed forces like so nic pulses, voltage pulses, ballistic treatment or optoporation by Laser beam and use of penetration enhancers are more often invasive to overcome the multiple barrier function of skin. Now, the colloidal systems are getting preference to be used trans derm ally. The colloidal systems include some basic structures like micelle s, liposomes, nanoparticles, den drimers, micro - and nanoemulsions etc. Again, for transdermal flux of any colloidal aggregate, the system must possess sufficient adaptability property de pending upon the pore width, so to make a path way for its entry. The adaptability or defo rmability of the colloidal aggre gate is a function of its composition. Micelles with long shape structures are flexible and depend upon binary phase composition. Vesi cular or globular forms get the d eformable nature by using lipid and membrane softener (bio surfactants) mixture. The diffusion or molecular barrier penetration of colloids need a driving force, which is provided by the trans - barrier hydration free energy gradient created internally or externally of and by the system. Some ultra deformable colloidal carriers like Transferosomes, Ethosomes, Aqua somes and Ni osomes are potential systems for transport across the skin. However, this broad research area of colloi ds still needs much orientation and attention by researchers, rather than going for older invasive techniques.