The Evolution of Emerging Nanovesicle Technologies for Enhanced Delivery of Molecules into and Across the Skin

The review discusses advancements in nanovesicular carriers for enhanced delivery of molecules into and across the skin, focusing on both phospholipid and non-phospholipid systems. Various nanovesicles, such as liposomes, ethosomes, and transfersomes, have been developed to improve drug permeability and target specific skin regions, offering advantages like avoiding gastrointestinal side effects and hepatic first-pass metabolism. Ethanol and surfactant edge activators significantly affect vesicle fluidity, with ethanol showing a more substantial impact. Ethosomes, characterized by their multilamellar structure, effectively deliver both hydrophilic and lipophilic molecules deeper into the skin compared to traditional liposomes. Newer carriers like transethosomes, glycerosomes, and niosomes have unique properties enhancing molecule penetration. In vitro studies demonstrated significant improvements in drug delivery, such as a 45-fold increase in minoxidil permeation and enhanced anti-tumor effects of paclitaxel. In vivo preclinical studies showed promising results for conditions like arthritis, bacterial infections, and acne, with ethosomal systems achieving sustained drug levels and effective treatment outcomes. Clinical studies further validated the safety and efficacy of these nanovesicular systems, highlighting their potential in dermatological and systemic therapies.