Journal name: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research
Original article title: Ethosomes
The WJPR includes peer-reviewed publications such as scientific research papers, reports, review articles, company news, thesis reports and case studies in areas of Biology, Pharmaceutical industries and Chemical technology while incorporating ancient fields of knowledge such combining Ayurveda with scientific data.
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Subtitle: a novel tool for transdermal drug delivery
Original source:
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Shaik Harun Rasheed, Kundlik Girhepunje, V.Vijay kumar, G.B.Priyanka, P.Sandhya Vani, Silpa Rani Gajavalli
World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research:
(An ISO 9001:2015 Certified International Journal)
Full text available for: Ethosomes
Source type: An International Peer Reviewed Journal for Pharmaceutical and Medical and Scientific Research
Copyright (license): WJPR: All rights reserved
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) represent a significant advancement in providing a non-invasive route for delivering medications directly into the systemic circulation through the skin. The primary barrier to this delivery method is the stratum corneum, which limits drug permeation. To circumvent this issue, various technologies have been developed, including ethosomes. Ethosomes are specialized lipid vesicles that incorporate phospholipids and high concentrations of ethanol, which enhance the penetration of drugs through the skin, making them a promising option for delivering hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs.
Ethosomal Drug Delivery Mechanism
The distinct advantages of ethosomes lie in their composition and their mechanism of action. The high concentration of ethanol in ethosomes improves the fluidity of the lipid bilayers, thereby increasing skin permeability. This mechanism involves two primary phases: the ethanol effect and the ethosomal effect. Ethanol acts as a penetration enhancer by integrating into the intercellular lipids of the skin, disrupting the lipid bilayers, and leading to enhanced drug absorption. In contrast, the ethosomal effect pertains to the overall structure of the ethosomal system, which, due to its unique composition, enables better drug encapsulation and deeper penetration into the skin layers compared to classic liposomes.
Methods of Preparation and Characterization
Ethosomes can be prepared by two simple methods: hot and cold methods, both of which do not require complicated instrumentation. Characterization of ethosomes involves various techniques, including Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) for visualization of vesicular structures, and assessments of entrapment efficiency and particle size using ultracentrifugation and dynamic light scattering, respectively. The entrapped drug's effectiveness is often measured using high-performance liquid chromatography, highlighting the essential role of lipid compounds in maintaining the integrity and efficacy of the ethosomes.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethosomal Systems
One of the critical advantages of ethosomes is their ability to deliver larger molecules, such as peptides or proteins, while ensuring high patient compliance due to their semisolid formulation. Furthermore, ethosomes circumvent many challenges associated with oral and parenteral drug delivery, making them a suitable option for patients with compliance issues. However, there are some drawbacks, including potential economic factors, limited potency for certain drug types, and possible instability during formulation transitions. These factors must be considered when developing ethosomal-based formulations for clinical use.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ethosomes represent a novel and effective approach to transdermal drug delivery, with several significant advantages over traditional methods. Their unique composition and ability to facilitate enhanced drug permeation make them a promising alternative for delivering a wide range of pharmaceuticals. As research continues to evolve, ethosomal systems could pave the way for more effective transdermal therapies, meeting the growing demand for safer and more efficient drug delivery methods. Future studies will be essential to explore the full potential and overcome the challenges associated with ethosomal formulations, ultimately contributing to improved therapeutic outcomes.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What are ethosomes in transdermal drug delivery?
Ethosomes are soft vesicles made of phospholipids, ethanol, and water, enhancing drug penetration through the skin by increasing lipid fluidity.
What advantages do ethosomes offer for drug delivery?
Ethosomes allow for the delivery of larger molecules, enhance drug permeation, are non-invasive, and improve patient compliance compared to traditional methods.
What are the disadvantages of using ethosomes?
Disadvantages include potential high costs, limited effectiveness for certain drugs, and product loss during transfer from organic to aqueous media.
How are ethosomes prepared for drug delivery applications?
Ethosomes can be prepared using simple hot and cold methods, involving the combination of phospholipids, alcohols, and water to form vesicles.
What methods are used for characterizing ethosomes?
Characterization methods for ethosomes include electron microscopy, entrapment efficiency assessment, dynamic light scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry.
What is the role of ethanol in ethosomes?
Ethanol acts as a penetration enhancer, increasing lipid fluidity in cell membranes and improving drug absorption through the skin.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Ethosomes”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Drug:
In the context of ethosomes and transdermal drug delivery, 'drug' refers to the active pharmaceutical ingredients intended for therapeutic action. Drugs can vary widely in their molecular characteristics and solubility, influencing their formulation and permeability through the skin barrier, a major focus in the development of ethosomal systems.
2) Kumar (Kumār):
Ananda Kumar is the lead author of the study on ethosomes published in the World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. His work contributes to the understanding of novel transdermal drug delivery systems, highlighting the relevance of ethosomes in enhancing drug permeability for effective skin delivery.
3) Water:
Water is a critical component in the formulation of ethosomes, which are primarily composed of phospholipids and alcohols. It serves as a solvent and aids in the stability and delivery of bioactive agents. Thus, the water content influences the properties and effectiveness of ethosomal formulations.
4) Surface:
Surface properties in ethosomal formulations are essential, as they dictate interactions with skin layers and affect the delivery of drugs. Evaluation techniques like scanning electron microscopy help reveal the surface morphology of ethosomes, influencing how they penetrate the stratum corneum and release encapsulated drugs.
5) Substance:
The term 'substance' refers broadly to the diverse materials, including active drugs and excipients, that compose the ethosomal formulation. Understanding the nature of these substances and their interactions is vital for optimizing ethosome efficiency in transdermal delivery applications.
6) Mishra (Miśra):
Mishra is one of the authors referenced in the study, contributing to the research on ethosomes. Collaborative research often strengthens the findings and applicability of drug delivery systems. His involvement indicates the importance of teamwork in advancing pharmaceutical sciences.
7) Transmission:
Transmission relates to the delivery of substances, such as drugs, through biological barriers like the skin. In the context of ethosomes, transmission is studied through techniques like electron microscopy, and focuses on how effectively drugs travel through the stratum corneum to reach systemic circulation.
8) Rajasthan (Rājasthān):
Rajasthan is the state in India where J.J.T. University is located, the institution associated with the study on ethosomes. The geographical context enriches the research environment, linking local expertise and resources to global challenges in drug delivery and pharmaceutical development.
9) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the effectiveness and performance of ethosomal formulations in delivering drugs transdermally. The activity of ethosomes is evaluated through various in vitro and in vivo studies to ensure they fulfill desired therapeutic roles while maintaining safety.
10) Channel:
Channel describes the intercellular pathways through which drugs permeate the stratum corneum. Understanding these channels is crucial for formulating ethosomes, as they must navigate these paths to ensure successful delivery of the encapsulated therapeutic agents.
11) Bhadra (Bhadrā, Bhādra):
Bhadra is mentioned as an author in the ethosome study, highlighting the collaborative aspect of pharmaceutical research. His contributions underline the collective effort in exploring innovative drug delivery systems, essential for tackling medical and pharmaceutical challenges effectively.
12) Nature:
Nature refers to the inherent characteristics of substances used in ethosomal formulations, including their chemical properties and interactions with the skin. Understanding the nature of phospholipids and alcohols enhances the design of ethosomes for improved drug delivery efficiency.
13) Performance:
Performance pertains to how well ethosomes deliver drugs through the skin, measured in terms of efficacy, efficiency, and permeability. The study emphasizes performance to validate ethosomes as a viable option for transdermal drug delivery systems in various therapeutic applications.
14) Measurement:
Measurement is critical in the evaluation of ethosomal formulations, including techniques for assessing drug entrapment efficiency, vesicle size, and release rates. Accurate measurement ensures the reliability and reproducibility of results, which is essential for developing effective drug delivery systems.
15) Developing:
Developing refers to the ongoing process of formulating and optimizing ethosomal systems to improve transdermal delivery. Continuous research and development efforts are necessary to address challenges and enhance the performance of these innovative drug delivery methods.
16) Toxicity:
Toxicity is a vital consideration in the formulation of ethosomes, as it assesses the potential adverse effects of the drug and its carriers. Ensuring low toxicity is essential for patient safety, making it a critical parameter in the design of transdermal drug delivery systems.
17) Heating:
Heating is relevant in the hot method of ethosome preparation, where temperature control influences the fluidity and characteristics of the lipids. Proper heating techniques ensure the formation of stable ethosomes that effectively encapsulate and deliver drugs through the skin.
18) Disease:
Disease represents the medical conditions that ethosomal formulations aim to treat through enhanced drug delivery. The success of ethosomes in targeting specific diseases could significantly improve treatment options, especially for chronic conditions that require consistent medication administration.
19) Account:
Account indicates the documentation and reporting of research findings related to ethosomes. Proper accounting of methodologies, results, and conclusions is essential for supporting claims about the effectiveness of ethosomes in transdermal drug delivery.
20) Debate:
Debate in this context may refer to the ongoing discussions within the scientific community regarding the efficacy and safety of transdermal delivery systems like ethosomes. Different viewpoints contribute to the development of improved methods and understanding of drug delivery technologies.
21) Sagar (Sagár):
Sagar, a city in India, is noted in reference to the educational background of authors involved with ethosome research. This regional connection emphasizes the influence of diverse academic environments on advancing pharmaceutical sciences and delivering innovative healthcare solutions.
22) India:
India is the country where significant research on ethosomes and transdermal drug delivery systems is being conducted. The scientific community in India contributes to global advancements in pharmaceutical technologies, enriching the dialogue on innovative drug delivery methods.
23) Nahar:
Nahar is referred to as an author whose contributions are part of the ethosome study. His involvement illustrates the importance of multiple perspectives in research, enhancing the robustness and credibility of findings related to transdermal drug delivery.
24) Field:
Field refers to the pharmaceutical and medical domains in which ethosomal formulations are applied. The focus on various fields underscores the versatility of ethosomes in treating conditions across different healthcare sectors, including dermatology and systemic therapies.
25) Blood:
Blood-centered drug delivery is significant when considering the systemic effects of transdermal therapies. The ultimate goal of ethosomal formulations is to enable drugs to enter systemic circulation effectively, ensuring therapeutic concentrations in the blood without invasive techniques.
26) Soya (Sōya):
Soya is mentioned as a source of phospholipids, which are vital components in the formulation of ethosomes. The inclusion of soya phospholipids can enhance the stability and effectiveness of ethosomal delivery systems in penetrating the skin barrier.
27) Hair:
Hair is relevant in the context of ethosomes targeting the pilosebaceous unit, which can aid in delivering drugs through hair follicles. This targeted approach may enhance the efficacy of transdermal delivery systems, particularly for certain therapeutic applications.
28) Hand:
Hand may refer to a common application area for transdermal systems, highlighting the relevance of user-friendly drug delivery methods. The design of ethosomes aims at improving patient compliance by providing simple and practical methods for drug administration.
29) Gold (Golden):
Gold in this context refers to the materials used when visualizing ethosomes via scanning electron microscopy. Gold coatings enhance image quality by providing a conductive layer on the ethosomal samples, crucial for accurate characterization and analysis of their structural properties.
30) Pur (Pūr):
Poor yields imply that the efficient formulation of ethosomes might be challenging, potentially affecting economic viability. Understanding the reasons behind poor yields helps in refining methods of preparation and formulation to ensure productive development of ethosomal systems.
31) Ter:
Ther represents therapeutic applications of ethosomes, underscoring their potential use in delivering various medications non-invasively. The focus on therapy through ethosomal formulations aims to expand treatment options while ensuring patient comfort and compliance.
32) Viru (Vīṟu):
Viru may refer to therapeutic targets related to viral diseases, where ethosomes could serve as vehicles for antiviral drugs. The capacity to enhance delivery through the skin can improve treatment outcomes for virulent infections requiring targeted therapeutic intervention.
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Ethosomes’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Differential scanning calorimetry, Stratum corneum, Transdermal drug delivery, Zeta potential, Patient compliance, Dynamic light scattering, Penetration enhancer, Ethosome, Confocal laser scanning microscopy.
Concepts being referred in other categories, contexts and sources.