Study about Ethosomes: A Novel Approach in Transdermal Drug Delivery System

Ethosomal systems are newer lipid nano vesicular carriers that have been around for 20 years, but over that period they have grown significantly as a means of transdermal drug delivery. Phospholipids, ethanol at relatively high concentrations (up to 50%) and water are their main components also referred as “soft vesicles" due fluid bilayers. These nanocarriers carry medicinal substances with various physicochemical qualities throughout the skin and deep skin layers. Since they were introduced, Ethosomes have undergone substantial investigation; new substances have been added to their original composition, creating new varieties of ethosomal systems. The composition and structure of the vesicles augment their ability to entrap molecules with various physicochemical properties and deliver them to the deep strata of skin. These innovative carriers, which can be added to gels, patches, and lotions, are prepared using several novel methods. Skin bacterial and fungal infections, skin inflammation, acne vulgaris, arthritis, and skin cancer are examples of disorders managed successfully by ethosomal systems. Furthermore, Ethosomes loaded with a number of naturally occurring compounds for cosmetic applications are also reported. The efficient treatments together with a good safety profile and lack of toxicity or irritation paved the way towards the development of new dermal therapies. This review focuses on introduction, mechanism of penetration, method of production, methods of characterisation, and field application.