The cutaneous route is attractive for the delivery of drugs in the treatment of a
wide variety of diseases. However the stratum corneum (SC) is an effective barrier that
hampers skin penetration. Within this context, liposomes emerge as a potential carrier for
improving topical delivery of therapeutic agents. In this review, we aimed to discuss key
aspects for the topical delivery by drug-loaded liposomes. Phospholipid type and phase
transition temperature have been shown to affect liposomal topical delivery. The effect of
surface charge is subject to considerable variation depending on drug and composition. In
addition, modified vesicles with the presence of components for permeation enhancement,
such as surfactants and solvents, have been shown to have a considerable effect. These
liposomes include: Transfersomes, Niosomes, Ethosomes, Transethosomes, Invasomes,
coated liposomes, penetration enhancer containing vesicles (PEVs), fatty acids vesicles,
Archaeosomes and Marinosomes. Furthermore, adding polymeric coating onto liposome
surface could influence cutaneous delivery. Mechanisms of delivery include intact vesicular
skin penetration, free drug diffusion, permeation enhancement, vesicle adsorption to
and/or fusion with the SC, trans-appendageal penetration, among others. Finally, several
skin conditions, including acne, melasma, skin aging, fungal infections and skin cancer,
have benefited from liposomal topical delivery of drugs, with promising in vitro and in
vivo results. However, despite the existence of some clinical trials, more studies are
needed to be conducted in order to explore the potential of liposomes in the dermatological
field.
Insight into Kinetics and Mechanisms of AOT Vesicle Adsorption on Silica in Unfavorable Conditions
