Liposomes with an Ethanol Fraction as an Application for Drug Delivery

The document from 2018 examines ethosomes, which are lipid carriers that include ethanol to enhance drug delivery through the skin. Ethosomes are more effective than classical liposomes or water-alcohol solutions due to the ethanolic effect, which increases drug penetration into deeper skin layers. They are particularly useful for delivering a range of therapeutic drugs, such as antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory agents, and hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil. Studies have shown that drugs like clotrimazole and griseofulvin have better skin penetration and retention when delivered via ethosomes, without causing adverse effects. Ethosomes also demonstrate high stability, deformability, and entrapment efficiency, which are beneficial for lipophilic drug delivery. However, the topical use of ethanol in ethosomes may have negative effects, such as skin irritation or potential long-term carcinogenic risks. The document suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and risks of ethosomes in pharmaceutical applications. The study was supported by Wroclaw Medical University with grant number STD060.18.15, and there were no conflicts of interest reported.