Innovation in Transdermal Delivery of Drugs by Transfersomes

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery offers distinct advantages over oral administration, such as bypassing the gastrointestinal tract and reducing systemic side effects. However, challenges like the delivery of large molecules and overcoming the stratum corneum barrier have limited its potential. Transfersomes, ultradeformable vesicles introduced in the early 1990s, present a promising solution to these issues. These elastic vesicles can squeeze through pores much smaller than their size, facilitating the transport of drugs across the skin. Composed of phospholipids and surfactants, transfersomes leverage osmotic forces and hydration to enhance permeation through the skin’s lipid layers. Their unique flexibility allows them to carry a wide range of molecules, including hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs. This versatility enables the delivery of both low and high molecular weight drugs such as analgesics, corticosteroids, insulin, anticancer agents, and even large proteins like albumin. In addition, transfersomes show promise in novel applications such as peripheral drug targeting and transdermal immunization. By improving the bioavailability of drugs and expanding therapeutic possibilities, transfersomes are poised to revolutionize drug delivery systems.