Permeation Enhancers Research Articles

Glepaglutide-Loaded Foam for the Induction of Mucosal Healing in the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) stimulates intestinal growth, repairs mucosa, and enhances epithelial integrity but has a short half-life (7 min). Glepaglutide (GL), a GLP-2 analog with an extended half-life (50h), is currently undergoing clinical trials for patients with short bowel syndrome. GL requires subcutaneous injection, which poses challenges for potential patient compliance. To address this challenge, GL was loaded into a rectal foam formulation using CO2 as a permeation enhancer to combine both the local and systemic effects of the GLP-2 analog. In a dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis model, the GL-loaded foam (GLF) significantly mitigated the severity of colitis. GLF facilitated mucosal healing, as evidenced by colonoscopy images, increased plasma markers of mucosal healing, and increased crypt depth. To evaluate GL absorption in the colon, fluorescein dextran 4K (FD 4K) was employed. The foam formulation improved macromolecule absorption in the colon, with fast recovery of enhanced permeation that dissipated after 4h. This study highlights GLF as a promising formulation for GL administration, balancing systemic and local anti-inflammatory effects.

Combining SNAC and C10 in oral tablet formulations for gastric peptide delivery: A preclinical and clinical study.

Current oral formulations of macromolecules including peptides typically rely on single permeation enhancer (PE) to promote absorption and thus bioavailability. In this work, we combined two PEs, namely sodium N-[8-(2-hydroxybenzoyl) amino] caprylate (SNAC) and sodium caprate (C10), in one tablet formulation to potentially gain a synergistic effect for enhanced gastric absorption of a GLP-1 analogue and a PCSK9 inhibitor. Permeability tests on a gastric organoids-based cell model showed that the combination of SNAC and C10 can significantly improve peptide permeability compared to either SNAC or C10 alone. Tablet formulations were then designed, adjusting the total PE amount, relative ratio between SNAC and C10, and the peptide dose. To facilitate drug and PE release, a diluent was added. Upon oral administration in beagle dogs, the lead formulations made of SNAC/C10/diluent demonstrated higher bioavailability than either SNAC, SNAC/diluent and C10/diluent formulations for both peptides. Finally, the SNAC/C10/diluent formulation with PCSK9 inhibitor was tested in human, where it displayed similar bioavailability to the SNAC/diluent reference, thereby suggesting a low translatability between pre-clinical and clinical data when C10 was involved. This may be attributed to the difference in physiology, gastric pH environment as well as C10 concentration and colloidal form in the gastric lumen between dogs and humans. Hence, additional studies are needed for a better understanding of the clinical translation of C10-based peptide formulations.

The role of biophysical properties in defining the functional applications of alkyl esters of L-ascorbic acid.

Lipophilic derivatives of vitamin C, known as ascorbyl-6-O-alkanoates (ASCn), have been mainly developed for use in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and the food industry as antioxidant additives. These derivatives are of biotechnological interest due to their antioxidant properties, amphiphilic behavior, capacity to self-organize into nano- and micro-structures, anionic nature, and low cost of synthesis. In this review, we will focus on the commercial amphiphile, 6-O-palmitoyl L-ascorbic acid (ASC16), and the shorter acyl chains derivatives, such as 6-O-myristoyl (ASC14) and 6-O-lauroyl L-ascorbic acid (ASC12). The biophysical characteristics of the ASCn family members make them promising candidates for applications such as antioxidant additives, drug carriers in topical pharmaceutical formulations, skin permeation enhancers, and vaccine adjuvants. Furthermore, they exhibit antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities, drawing attention from new biotechnology frontiers. By exploring the biophysical properties of ASCn derivatives, this review highlights their potential applications and the fundamental mechanisms driving their functionality.

Evaluation of Drug Permeation Enhancement by Using In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models

Evaluation of Drug Permeation Enhancement by Using In Vitro and Ex Vivo Models

Gold nanocomposites in colorectal cancer therapy: characterization, selective cytotoxicity, and migration inhibition.

The third most prevalent type of cancer in the world, colorectal cancer, poses a significant treatment challenge due to the nonspecific distribution, low efficacy, and high systemic toxicity associated with chemotherapy. To overcome these limitations, a targeted drug delivery system with a high cytotoxicity against cancer cells while maintaining a minimal systemic side effects represents a promising therapeutic approach. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop an efficient gold nanocarrier for the targeted delivery of the anticancer agent everolimus to Caco-2 cells. A novel gold nanocomposite (EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs) functionalized with a targeting ligand (hyaluronic acid), a permeation enhancement excipient (chitosan), and an anticancer inclusive compound consisting of beta-cyclodextrin and everolimus was proposed and prepared via Turkevich method. Characterization was performed with a UV spectrometer, FTIR, Zetasizer, and HRTEM. Its drug release profile was also evaluated in media with three different pH values. Cytotoxicity and biocompatibility studies were performed on a colorectal cancer cell line (Caco-2) and a normal fibroblast line (MRC-5), respectively, via xCELLigence real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) technology. The inhibitory effect on migration was also further tested via the xCELLigence RTCA technique and a scratch assay. Characterization studies revealed the successful formation of EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs with a size and charge which are suitable for the use as targeted drug delivery carrier. In the cytotoxic study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs showed a lower IC50 (16 ± 1 µg/ml) than the pure drug (25 ± 3 µg/ml) toward a colorectal cell line (Caco-2). In the biocompatibility study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs have minimal toxicity, while the pure drug has severe toxicity toward healthy fibroblasts (MRC-5) despite its low concentration. In the cell migration study, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs also showed a greater inhibitory effect than the pure drug. Compared with the pure drug, the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs exhibit an excellent selective cytotoxicity between cancerous colorectal Caco-2 cells and healthy MRC-5 cells, making it a potential carrier to carry the drug to the cancerous site while maintaining its low toxicity to the surrounding environment. In addition, an increase in the cytotoxic activity of the EV-β-CD-HA-Chi-AuNCs toward cancerous colorectal Caco-2 cells was also observed, which can potentially improve the treatment of colorectal cancer.

Revolutionizing Drug Delivery: A Design Professional's Approach to Drug-loaded Transferosomal Vesicles for Transdermal Use.

This study aimed to develop and evaluate lornoxicam (LXM) and thiocolchicoside (TCS) transferosomal transdermal patches. Oral administration of LXM and TCS can lead to gastric irritation, necessitating alternative delivery methods for pain and inflammation relief. Incorporating LXM & TCS into transferosomes within a transdermal patch offers a potential solution. The objective of this study is to develop and evaluate transferosomal transdermal patches containing LXM and TCS, incorporating Aloe vera leaf mucilage (AVLM) and lime oil (LO) as permeability enhancers. The aim is to enhance the skin permeation of these drugs while mitigating gastric irritation associated with their oral administration. Transferosomes were made by the thin film hydration tactic, with nine formulations based on three independent variables: phosphatidylcholine, span 80, and sonication time. Entrapment efficiency and drug release at 6th h were assessed as dependent variables. The optimized combination was then formulated into transdermal patches via central composite design, evaluating the impact of AVLM and LO on lornoxicam discharge and other physicochemical properties. The average weight and thickness of the patches ranged from 7.52±0.75 to 8.07±0.11g and from 1.69±0.01 to 1.82±0.02mm, respectively, representing minimal variance. The LXM/TCS content homogeneity ranged from 92.84±3.55 to 94.07±4.61% for LXM and from 90.17±1.98 to 93.18±2.98% for TCS, demonstrating robust uniformity. Higher proportions of phosphatidylcholine and span 80, along with lesser sonication time, led to improved entrapment of lornoxicam. In vitro, discharge studies demonstrated optimal discharge with a higher proportion of phosphatidylcholine, a medium proportion of span 80, and a longer sonication time. The transferosomal patches exhibited zero-order discharge kinetics, with LXM & TCS discharge % at 24, 48, and 72 h. The study concludes that formulation TDP-8, which incorporates 3g of Aloe vera leaf mucilage (AVLM) and lime oil (LO) as permeability enhancers, demonstrated favorable discharge characteristics. This indicates its potential as an effective transdermal delivery system for LXM and TCS, offering a promising substitute for pain and inflammation relief while minimizing gastric irritation. The study succeeded in developing and evaluating transferosomal transdermal patches for LXM and TCS, providing an alternative delivery method that minimizes gastric irritation.

Binary and Ternary Nanocomposite Membranes for Gas Separation Incorporating Finely Dispersed Carbon Nanotubes in a Polyether Block Amide Matrix

This work addressed the fine dispersion of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a polymer matrix to obtain Mixed Matrix Membranes (MMMs) suited for gas separation. Not-purified MWCNTs were effectively loaded within a polyether block amide (Pebax®2533) matrix, up to 24 wt%, using ultrasonication as well as a third component (polysorbate) in the dope solution. The obtained flexible thin films were investigated in terms of morphology, thermal properties, characterized by SEM, FT-IR, DSC, TGA, and gas permeation tests. The response to temperature variations of gas permeation through these nanocomposite specimens was also investigated in the temperature range of 25–55 °C. Defect-free samples were successfully obtained even at a significantly high loading of CNTs (up to 18 wt%), without a pre-treatment of the fillers. A remarkable enhancement of gas permeability upon the nanocarbons loading was reached, with a threshold value at a loading of ca. 7 wt%. The addition of polysorbates in the ternary MMMs further improves the dispersion of the filler, enhancing also the permselectivity of the membrane.

Establishing a General Atomistic Model for the Stratum Corneum Lipid Matrix Based on Experimental Data for Skin Permeation Studies.

Understanding the permeation of drugs through the intercellular lipid matrix of the stratum corneum layer of skin is crucial for effective transdermal delivery. Molecular dynamics simulations can provide molecular insights into the permeation process. In this study, we developed a new atomistic model representing the multilamellar arrangement of lipids in the stratum corneum intercellular space for permeation studies. The model was built using ceramides in extended conformation as the backbone along with free fatty acids and cholesterol. The properties of the equilibrated model were in agreement with the neutron scattering data and hydration behavior previously reported in the literature. The permeability of molecules, such as water, benzene and estradiol, and the molecular mechanism of action of permeation enhancers, such as eucalyptol and limonene, were evaluated using the model. The new model can be reliably used for studying the permeation of small molecules and for gaining mechanistic insights into the action of permeation enhancers.

Research on the Effective Scope of Low-permeability Hard Coalbed Coupling and Enhanced Permeability Technology

Due to poor gas permeability, high gas content, and hard coal quality at the JiuLiShan coal mine, gas extraction is difficult, and hydraulic perforation has limited effect. This study proposes a permeability enhancement method combining loosening blasting and hydraulic perforation to improve coal seam gas permeability and extraction efficiency. Field tests confirm the technology's effectiveness, showing that the combined method significantly enhances the coal body's permeability. The effective influence radius of the 1# test group (small explosives) is 4-6m, while the 2# test group (large explosives) extends this range to 6-8m, leading to a sustained increase in gas extraction. This approach offers an effective solution for enhancing permeability in complex coal mine conditions.

Advancements in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: Harnessing the Potential of Macromolecular Assisted Permeation Enhancement and Novel Techniques.

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) represents a transformative paradigm in drug administration, offering advantages such as controlled drug release, enhanced patient adherence, and circumvention of hepatic first-pass metabolism. Despite these benefits, the inherent barrier function of the skin, primarily attributed to the stratum corneum, remains a significant impediment to the efficient permeation of therapeutic agents. Recent advancements have focused on macromolecular-assisted permeation enhancers, including carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, nucleic acids, and cell-penetrating peptides, which modulate skin permeability by transiently altering its structural integrity. Concurrently, innovative methodologies such as iontophoresis, electroporation, microneedles, ultrasound, and sonophoresis have emerged as potent tools to enhance drug transport by creating transient microchannels or altering the skin's microenvironment. Among the novel approaches, the development of nanocarriers such as Liposome, niosomes, and transethosomes etc. has garnered substantial attention. These elastic vesicular systems, comprising lipids and edge activators, exhibit superior skin penetration owing to their deformability and enhanced payload delivery capabilities. Furthermore, the integration of nanocarriers with physical enhancement techniques demonstrates a synergistic potential, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional TDD systems. This comprehensive convergence of macromolecular-assisted enhancers, advanced physical techniques, and next-generation nanocarriers underscores the evolution of TDD, paving the way for optimized therapeutic outcomes.

Advancements in nose-to-brain drug targeting for Alzheimer's disease: a review of nanocarriers and clinical insights.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a type of neurodegenerative disease that describes cognitive decline and memory loss resulting in disability in movement, memory, speech etc. Which first affects the hippocampal and entorhinal cortex regions of brain. Pathogenesis of AD depends on Amyloid-β, hyper-phosphorylation of tau protein, mitochondrial dysfunction, cholinergic hypothesis and oxidative stress. In comparison with males, females are more prone to AD due to reduced estrogen level. Some of the FDA-approved drugs and their conventional formulations available in the market are discussed in this review. Nose-to-brain delivery system provides the target specific drug delivery via olfactory and trigeminal nerve (active and passive drug targeting strategies) and bypassing the Blood Brain Barrier. Mucoadhesive agents and permeation enhancers are mostly utilized to enhance the retention time and bioavailability of the drugs. Liposomes, niosomes, cubosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, micelles, and many more nanocarriers for nose-to-brain delivery of drugs are also described thoroughly in this review. It also covers the clinical trials and patents for nose-to-brain delivery. In this article, we investigate the nose-to-brain pathways for AD treatment strategies.

Permeation Enhancer in Microemulsions and Microemulsion-Based Gels: A Comparison of Diethylene Glycol Monoethyl Ether and Oleyl Alcohol.

Microemulsions have been commonly used with various permeation enhancers to improve permeability through the skin. The purpose of this study was to compare the release and permeation ability of two commonly used permeation enhancers-diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME) and oleyl alcohol-by the changes in oil composition, the addition of a gelling agent, and water content using ibuprofen as a model drug. Four microemulsions were formulated, selection was based on ternary phase diagrams, and physicochemical properties were evaluated. The release and permeation of the microemulsion formulations were performed in vitro by Franz cell studies on a regenerated cellulose membrane and a Strat-M® membrane, respectively, and the amount of ibuprofen permeated and released was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All four microemulsions were compatible with the skin pH, and the average pH ranged from 4.9 to 5.6. The average droplet size of the microemulsions ranged from 119.8 to 153.3 nm. Drug release was significantly the highest from the gel-based microemulsions (59% and 64%, p < 0.05). However, there was a fourfold difference in drug permeation from these gels-a significantly higher permeation from the microemulsion-gel containing oleic acid and oleyl alcohol compared to the DGME formulation. These results indicated that the microemulsion-gel with oleyl alcohol as the permeation enhancer could be a preferable formulation approach for the topical administration of ibuprofen. These results highlight the need for optimization of the microemulsion formulation to confirm the permeation-enhancing effects of chosen permeation enhancers despite being a well-known permeation enhancer.

Pulsed Ultrasound-Mediated Drug Delivery Enhancement Through Human Sclera.

The purpose of this study was to characterize whether pulsed ultrasound (PUS) affects transscleral drug delivery. Fluorescein sodium (NaF, 376 Da) and fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran 40 (FD-40, 40 kDa) were used as model drugs. Human sclera grafts were placed in modified Franz diffusion cells and were treated by PUS (1 megahertz [MHz], 0.71W/cm2, duty cycle 30%, application time 5minutes) once or repeatedly under various conditions to assess permeation enhancement and reservoir effect. The safety of PUS application was assessed on human sclera grafts ex vivo and rabbit eyes in vivo by histology and temperature measurements. Single PUS application yielded a significant increase in FD-40 permeation (P< 0.05). Repeated PUS applications led to a further enhancement in FD-40 permeation and also significantly promoted NaF permeation (more than 8.51-fold, P< 0.05). The human scleral permeability was temporarily modified by PUS, as evidenced by the increased scleral permeability during PUS application and the unchanged permeability coefficients at steady state. The reservoir effect of human sclera was also enhanced by PUS application. Cavitation was detected under PUS. A minor increase in graft temperature rise (<1°C) and no ocular damage was caused by PUS. PUS is an efficient and safe method to enhance model drugs to transport across human sclera by increasing the scleral permeability transiently and improving the reservoir effect. The enhancement was correlated with the molecule size and further promoted by the repeated PUS application. Our study provides proof of concept for using PUS to enhance drug delivery to the posterior eye segment.

Synthesis and Anticancer Studies of Pt(II) Complex Derived From 4-Phenylthiosemicarbazone.

Although cisplatin is widely used as a first-line chemotherapy agent, it has significant side effects. Herein, we synthesized a Pt(II) complex (Pt1) derived from o-vanillin-4-phenylthiosemicarbazone ligand and confirmed its crystal structure by x-ray crystallography. Complex Pt1 exhibited potent anticancer activity against various tested cancer cell lines, with particular efficacy against HepG-2 cells. Further investigations revealed that Pt1 inhibited the growth of HepG-2 cells through multiple mechanisms, including the generation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of DNA damage, enhancement of mitochondrial membrane permeability, promotion of apoptosis, and activation of autophagic cell death.

Permeation enhancer decorated nanoparticles for oral delivery of insulin: manipulating the surface density of borneol and PEG for absorption barriers.

Oral protein drugs' delivery faces challenges due to multiple absorption barriers for macromolecules. Co-administration with permeation enhancers and encapsulation in nano-carriers are two promising strategies to enhance their oral absorption. Herein, the poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles (PLGA NPs) are decorated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and a traditional Chinese medicine-derived permeation enhancer borneol (BO) for oral insulin delivery. Compared with a physical mixture of BO and PEG-decorated PLGA NPs, PLGA-PEG-BO NPs significantly facilitate insulin permeation across intestinal epithelia through various transcytosis pathways. The relationship among the BO surface density, physico-chemical properties and multiple barriers penetration ability is further investigated. Increasing the BO density boosts penetration through the epithelial cell layer but reduces enzyme and mucus barrier penetration. When the surface PEG density is at 90% and BO density is at 10%, the NPs possess the strongest overall ability to overcome both the mucus layer barrier and epithelial cell barrier, as illustrated by the highest permeation efficiency through Caco-2/HT29-MTX cell co-cultural monolayers. In diabetic rodents, PLGA-PEG90%-BO10% NPs exhibit high intestinal safety and a substantial hypoglycemic effect, with insulin availability at 6.22 ± 2.30%, double that of orally delivered insulin PLGA-PEG NPs and far superior to a physical mixture with BO. This study reveals the importance of tailored absorption enhancer decoration for oral protein delivery.

Capsaicin nanocrystals burdened topical polymeric gel: An encouraging tactic for alleviation of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is triggered by clinically recommended chemotherapeutics. Topical capsaicin (CAP) is a US-FDA-approved therapeutic entity for the mitigation of CIPN. Besides good skin permeation efficiency, CAP concentration in a topical dermal dosage form must be controlled due to its dose-dependent therapeutic and adverse effects. Therefore, in the present investigation, capsaicin nanocrystals (CAP-NCs) were scaled up using the nanoprecipitation technique. CAP-NCs exhibited 145.4±0.90nm particle size, 0.254±0.005 polydispersity index (PDI), -17.2±0.80mV surface charge (ζ), and markedly higher cumulative percentage drug release (85.68±0.89%) compared to pure CAP (12.56±0.57%) in 12h. Later, capsaicin nanocrystals burdened polymeric gel (CAP-NCs-Gel) was characterized using analytical and spectral techniques. Furthermore, CAP-NCs-Gel depicted remarkable textural properties, and desirable viscosity along with∼2.23-fold enhancement in permeability, ∼1.61-fold augmentation of CAP steady-state flux, and permeability coefficient. Additionally, the in vivo therapeutic efficacy assessment of CAP-NCs-Gel in the paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN) demonstrated remarkable improvements in mechanical hyperalgesia, heat hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and locomotor behavior. Capsaicin nanocrystals burdened polymeric gel once-a-day (CAP-NCs-Gel-OD) and twice-a-day (CAP-NCs-Gel-TD) applications outstandingly diminished the levels of TNF-α (P<0.0001) and IL-6 (P<0.01) in the sciatic nerve homogenate in contrast to the positive control group and insignificant difference (P>0.05) was noticed compared to the normal control group. Correspondingly, significant modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers, and noticeable regeneration of nerve fibers, a typical arrangement of the axon, with preserved intact myelin sheath integrity were professed in sciatic nerve; aimed at diminishing neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and mitigating nerve damage in PIPN. In conclusion, CAP-NCs-Gel is a top-notch nanotherapeutic for translating into a clinically viable dosage form for treating CIPN.

Combining ion-pair strategy and chemical enhancers to develop mirtazapine long-acting transdermal patches for depression treatment

Although mirtazapine (MZP) tablets have been recommended as a first-line treatment for depression in clinical, frequent administration and unsteady blood concentration lead to poor patient compliance and severe side effects. The purpose of this study was to develop a drug-in-adhesive transdermal patch that can deliver MZP stably for 3 days with high utilization. The formulation factors such as counterion, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA), and chemical permeation enhancer (CPE) were screened by in vitro skin permeation study and further optimized by Box-Behnken design. Pharmacokinetics was investigated to verify the transdermal performance of the optimized MZP patch in vivo. Adhesion properties and skin irritation were also evaluated. The combined enhancement effects of ion-pair strategy and CPEs in the release process were characterized by rheology study, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR, and molecular docking, and the effects in the skin permeation process were studied by ATR-FTIR, Raman and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The 80 μm thickness of the optimized patch containing 9% MZP-C6 and 10% Plurol® Oleique CC 497 (POCC) showed fabulous delivery abilities (Q72h = 752.74 μg/cm2) and high utilization (69.62%) in vitro. Pharmacokinetics indicated the steady plasma concentration within 72 h (AUC0-t = 5595.86 ± 431.08 h ng/mL, MRT0-t = 26.27 ± 4.72 h). Molecular mechanism revealed that CPEs promoted drug release and skin penetration by enhancing the molecular mobility of adhesive chain and skin lipids as well as competing with ion-pairs for binding to the same site on the adhesive and ceramide. In summary, this MZP long-acting patch was successfully developed, holding promise as an alternative treatment for depression.

Unlocking Skin Barriers: Applications and Properties of Natural Permeation Enhancers

Unlocking Skin Barriers: Applications and Properties of Natural Permeation Enhancers

A Comprehensive Review of Strategies of Topical Niosomes and Their Synergistic Effect for Enhanced Therapeutic Outcomes

The review aims to assess the potential of niosomes-nonionic surfactant-based vesicular systems-as carriers for topical and transdermal drug delivery. Niosomes enable targeted and controlled drug release while minimizing systemic toxicity. The investigation centers on their structure, stability, and capacity to entrap both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs, as well as their use in managing various dermatological and systemic disorders. Recent studies have examined the formulation of niosomes, particularly highlighting the roles of nonionic surfactants and cholesterol in enhancing the stability and entrapment efficiency of these vesicles. Research on permeability enhancers has been reviewed for their ability to work together to improve drug transport and bioavailability. It also provides a detailed discussion on the use of niosomes in treating various dermatological conditions, as well as their applications in systemic diseases, with a particular focus on co-delivery systems in cancer therapies. Niosomes exhibit efficacy in drug delivery by providing an increase in penetration through the stratum corneum, targeting hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs for dermatological and systemic applications. The Development of niosomal therapy has expanded into immunization, antiinflammatory treatments, and the control of pigmentation. Permeability enhancers further increase their efficacy, bioavailability, and tissue localization. Anticancer treatment using niosomes for codelivery of agents demonstrates synergistic effects with reduced side effects. Niosomes have tremendous potential in advancing topical and transdermal drug delivery, offering controlled, targeted release and improved patient outcomes. With optimized fabrication and comprehensive toxicity evaluation, niosomes can potentially revolutionize topical therapies, making them safer, more effective, and patient-friendly for a range of next-generation treatment options across dermatology and beyond.

Review topic: A detailed analysis of transdermal drug delivery system

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) are a novel approach for administering medications through the skin, offering several advantages over conventional methods like oral or intravenous delivery. TDDS allow for controlled and consistent drug release, effectively bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and avoiding first-pass metabolism, which can enhance bioavailability and reduce systemic side effects. However, the skin's barrier properties present significant challenges for drug permeation, particularly for larger or hydrophilic molecules. To address these challenges, various methods have been developed, including chemical permeation enhancers, microneedles, iontophoresis, and sonophoresis, to facilitate drug delivery. The typical components of TDDS include an active pharmaceutical ingredient, an adhesive matrix, a release liner, and a backing layer, each contributing to the controlled release and stability of the system. Despite these advancements, TDDS are primarily effective for small, lipophilic drugs, and issues such as skin irritation and limited permeation for larger molecules continue to be significant challenges. Recent innovations, such as the use of nanoparticles, 3D printing technology, and personalized delivery systems, show promise in overcoming these limitations. This review examines the principles, benefits, challenges, and recent developments in transdermal drug delivery systems, highlighting their potential applications in chronic disease management, hormone therapy, and vaccine delivery, as well as future directions for enhancing their efficacy and expanding their therapeutic range.