Ethosomal Carriers: A Breakthrough in Skin Permeability and Drug Absorption

Abstract

Delves into the evolving field of transdermal drug delivery, highlighting ethosomes as a breakthrough in overcoming the skin’s natural barrier to drug absorption. Ethosomes are vesicular carriers enriched with high ethanol content, which enhances the penetration of drugs through the skin, leading to higher bioavailability compared to conventional liposomes. The article classifies ethosomes into three types: classical, binary, and transethosomes, each varying in composition to improve drug stability and skin interaction. Ethosomes are notable for their ability to carry a wide variety of drugs, including water-soluble, fat-soluble, and unstable compounds, with applications spanning pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and biotechnology. Key benefits include improved patient compliance, enhanced drug efficacy, and a simpler production process. However, challenges such as potential skin irritation and the limited scalability of production remain. The article also explores the preparation methods and evaluates the clinical potential of ethosomes, with a focus on further research directions to optimize their use in therapeutic settings.