Ethosomes: Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Abstract

The skin is one of the most extensive and readily accessible organs of the human Body. One of the greatest disadvantages to transdermal drug delivery is the skin's low permeability that limits the number of drugs that can be delivered in this manner. Ethosomes as novel vesicles in transdermal drug delivery show significant effects on drug penetration through the biological membrane. Now-a-days we better know vesicles have importance in cellular communication. Ethosomes, Although ethosomes are conceptually sophisticated, they are simple inpreparation and safe for use. Transdermal route is promising alternative to drug delivery for systemic effect. An attempt was made to formulate the highly efficient ethosomal drug delivery system and enalapril meleate is used as model drug. Ethosomes have higher penetration rate through the skin as compared to liposomes hence these can be used widely in place of liposomes. Ethosomes enhanced skin permeation, improved drug delivery, increased drug entrapment efficiency etc Ethosomes have become an area of research interest, because of its enhanced skin permeation, improved drug delivery, increased drug entrapment efficiency etc. The purpose of writing this review on ethosomes drug delivery was to compile the focus on the various aspects of ethosomes including their mechanism of penetration, preparation, advantages, composition, characterization, application and marketed product of ethosomes. Characterizations of ethosomes include Particle size, Zeta potential, Differential Scanning Calorimertry, Entrapment efficiency, Surface tension activity measurement, Vesicle stability and Penetration Studies etc.

Keywords: Transdermal Drug Delivery System, Ethosomes, Drug absorption