The retinoid fenretinide (FENR) is a promising compound for preventing breast cancer recurrence but faces challenges due to poor solubility and low bioavailability. This study explores the development of dissolving microneedles (MNs) containing FENR-loaded ethosomes for minimally invasive breast cancer chemoprevention, aiming to enhance local drug distribution. Ethosomes were formulated using ethanol, propylene glycol, soya lecithin, water, and polysorbate 80 micelles. MNs were created from poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinylpyrrolidone) hydrogels by adding polymer powder directly into ethosomes suspensions, reducing manufacturing time and cost. Two methods were used to load ethosomes into high-density moulds: 1) only in the needle area, and 2) in both the needle area and baseplate. Dynamic light scattering confirmed nanostructures in the hydrogels and MNs. Micelle-based ethosomes dissolved MNs in 15 min, compared to 30 min for other MNs. Skin deposition studies showed greater drug deposition (up to 10 μg/patch) and enhanced skin permeation of FENR (up to 40 μg) with Method 2. In-vivo studies in rats demonstrated that oral administration resulted in plasma FENR levels below 10 ng/g in the first three hours, whereas MN administration delayed delivery, reaching a maximum plasma concentration of 52 ng/g at 48 h. Skin deposition of FENR from MNs decreased from 3 μg/g on day 1 to <0.3 μg/g by the last day. This study indicates that MNs are a potential minimally invasive dosage form for delivering FENR, offering a new approach for breast cancer chemoprevention.

Since the earliest days, people have been employing herbal treatments extensively around the world. The development of phytochemical and phytopharmacological sciences has made it possible to understand the chemical composition and biological properties of a number of medicinal plant products. Due to certain challenges like large molecular weight and low bioavailability, some components of herbal extracts are not utilized for therapeutic purposes. It has been suggested that herbal medicine and nanotechnology can be combined to enhance the benefits of plant extracts by lowering dosage requirements and adverse effects and increasing therapeutic activity. Using nanotechnology, the active ingredient can be delivered in an adequate concentration and transported to the targeted site of action. Conventional therapy does not fulfill these requirements. This review focuses on different skin diseases and nanotechnology-based herbal medicines that have been utilized to treat them.

OBJECTIVE: Zinc Oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are used widely in nowadays personal care products, especially sunscreens, as a protector against UV irradiation. Yet, they have some reports of potential toxicity. Silica is widely used to cage ZnO NPs to reduce their potential toxicity. Vitamin C derivative, Magnesium Ascorpyl Phosphate (MAP), is a potent antioxidant that can efficiently protect human skin from harmful impacts of UV irradiation and oxidative stress. The combination of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could have potential synergistic protective effect against skin photodamage.
METHODS: Silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles (ethosomes and niosomes) were synthesized, formulated, and evaluated as topical gels. These gel formulations were evaluated in mice for their photoprotective effect against UV irradiation through histopathology and immuno-histochemistry study. Split-face clinical study was conducted to compare the effect of application of silica coated ZnO NPs either alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles. Their photoprotective action was evaluated, using Antera 3D® camera, for melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth.
RESULTS: Silica coated ZnO NPs when combined with MAP nanovesicles protected mice skin from UV irradiation and decreased the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines, NF-κB. Clinically, silica coated ZnO NPs, alone or combined with MAP nanovesicles, could have significant effect to decrease melanin level, roughness index and wrinkles depth with higher effect for the combination.
CONCLUSIONS: A composite of silica coated ZnO NPs and MAP nanovesicles could be a promising cosmetic formulation for skin protection against photodamage signs such as hyperpigmentation, roughness, and wrinkles.

UNASSIGNED: There are around 24 distinct lipid vesicles described in the literature that are similar to vesicular systems such as liposomes. Liposome-like structures are formed by combining certain amphiphilic lipids with a suitable stabiliser. Since their discovery and classification, self-assembled liposome-like structures as active drug delivery vehicles captured researchers\' curiosity.
UNASSIGNED: This comprehensive study included an in-depth literature search using electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, focusing on studies on liposome and liposomes like structure, discussed in literature till 2024, their sizes, benefits, drawback, method of preparation, characterisation and pharmaceutical applications.
UNASSIGNED: Pharmacosomes, cubosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, and genosomes, all liposome-like structures, have the most potential due to their smaller size with high loading capacity, ease of absorption, and ability to treat inflammatory illnesses. Genosomes are futuristic because of its affinity for DNA/gene transport, which is an area of focus in today\'s treatments.
UNASSIGNED: This review will critically analyse the composition, preparation procedures, drug encapsulating technologies, drug loading, release mechanism, and related applications of all liposome-like structures, highlighting their potential benefits with enhanced efficacy over each other and over traditional carriers by paving the way for exploring novel drug delivery systems in the Pharma industry.

This study aimed to develop and optimize karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel formulation and evaluate its efficacy in alleviating symptoms of psoriasis in an animal model induced by imiquimod. These karanjin-loaded ethosomal nanogel, were formulated to enhance drug penetration into the skin and its epidermal retention. Karanjin was taken to formulate ethosomes due to its potential ani-psoriatic activity. Ethosomes were formulated using the cold method using 32full factorial designs to optimize the formulation components. 9 batches were prepared using two independent variablesX1: concentration of ethanol andX2: concentration of phospholipid whereas vesicle size (Y1) and percentage entrapment efficiency (Y2) were selected as dependent variables. All the dependent variables were found to be statistically significant. The optimized ethosomal suspension (B3) exhibited a vesicle size of 334 ± 2.89 nm with an entrapment efficiency of 94.88 ± 1.24% and showed good stability. The morphology of vesicles appeared spherical with smooth surfaces through transmission electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed that the drug existed in an amorphous state within the ethosomal formulation. The optimized ethosome was incorporated into carbopol 934 to develop nanogel for easy application on the skin. The nanogel underwent characterization for various parameters including spreadability, viscosity, pH, extrudability, and percentage drug content. The ethosomal formulation remarkably enhanced the skin permeation of karanjin and increased epidermal retention of the drug in psoriatic skin compared to marketed preparation and pure drug. A skin retention study showed that ethosomal nanogel formulation has 48.33% epidermal retention in 6 h.In vivo,the anti-psoriatic activity of karanjin ethosomal nanogel demonstrated significant improvement in psoriasis, indicated by a gradual decrease in skin thickness and scaling as reflected in the Psoriasis Severity Index grading. Therefore, the prepared ethosomal nanogel is a potential vehicle for improved topical delivery of karanjin for better treatment of psoriasis.

Glycyrrhiza glabra extract is widely known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the wound healing process. The aim of this work was to shorten the time of the healing process by using an eco-sustainable wound dressing based on Spanish broom flexible cellulosic fabric by impregnation with G. glabra extract-loaded ethosomes. Chemical analysis of G. glabra extract was performed by LC-DAD-MS/MS and its encapsulation into ethosomes was obtained using the ethanol injection method. Lipid vesicles were characterized in terms of size, polydispersity index, entrapment efficiency, zeta potential, and stability. In vitro release studies, biocompatibility, and scratch test on 3T3 fibroblasts were performed. Moreover, the structure of Spanish broom dressing and its ability to absorb wound exudate was characterized by Synchrotron X-ray phase contrast microtomography (SR-PCmicroCT). Ethosomes showed a good entrapment efficiency, nanometric size, good stability over time and a slow release of polyphenols compared to the free extract, and were not cytotoxic. Lastly, the results revealed that Spanish broom wound dressing loaded with G. glabra ethosomes is able to accelerate wound closure by reducing wound healing time. To sum up, Spanish broom wound dressing could be a potential new green tool for biomedical applications.

Prinsepia utilis seed oil (PUSO) is a natural medication obtained from Prinsepia utilis Rogle seed, which has been used for the treatment of skin diseases. The study aims to prepare ethosomes with high drug loading as a water-soluble transdermal vehicle to enhance the transdermal delivery of PUSO. PUSO-loaded ethosomes (PEs) were prepared using a cold method, and optimized by an orthogonal experimental design with entrapment efficiency (EE) as the dependent variable. The PEs prepared with the optimized formulation showed good stability, with a spherical shape under transmission electron microscopy (TEM), average particle size of 39.12 ± 0.85 nm, PDI of 0.270 ± 0.01, zeta potential of -11.3 ± 0.24 mV, and EE of 95.93 ± 0.43%. PEs significantly increased the skin deposition of PUSO compared to the PUSO suspension (P < 0.001). Moreover, the optimum formula showed significant ameliorative effects on ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation-associated macroscopic and histopathological changes in mice skin. Therefore, PEs represent a promising therapeutic approach for the treatment of UVB-induced skin inflammation, with the potential for industrialization.

Ethosome offers a unique solution to the challenges faced by conventional drug delivery systems. In comparison to traditional liposomes and other nanocarriers, ethosomes exhibit a unique ability to improve drug absorption, overcoming a major limitation in the Transdermal Drug Delivery System. Their soft and flexible nano-vesicular structure facilitates faster permeation, resulting in significantly higher transdermal flux. This scientific investigation effectively traverses the changing landscape of ethosomes as an innovative drug delivery system. By conducting a thorough comparative analysis, we uncover the distinct characteristics that set them apart from other nanocarriers, offering insights into their distinct advantages. The study also includes a detailed analysis of the variables that have a complex impact on performance, elucidating transport mechanisms and addressing advanced facets pivotal for refined drug delivery strategies. This comprehensive overview highlights ethosomes as a future of medicine, offering a promising future for the safe and effective treatment of diverse diseases, impacting numerous lives.

Transdermal drug delivery is an attractive and patient-friendly route for administering therapeutic agents. However, the skin\'s natural barrier, the stratum corneum, restricts the passage of many drugs, limiting their effectiveness. To overcome this challenge, researchers have developed various nanocarriers to enhance drug penetration through the skin. Transethosomes, a novel and promising drug delivery system, have emerged as an innovative solution for improving transdermal drug delivery. Transethosomes are a hybrid of two established nanocarriers: ethosomes and transfersomes. Ethosomes are lipid-based vesicles that can accommodate lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, while transfersomes are deformable lipid vesicles designed to enhance skin penetration. Transethosomes combine the advantages of both systems, making them ideal candidates for efficient transdermal drug delivery. They are composed of phospholipids, ethanol, and water and exhibit high flexibility, enabling them to squeeze through the tight junctions of the stratum corneum. This abstract reviews the key characteristics of transethosomes, including their composition, preparation methods, mechanisms of action, characterization parameters, and prospects. Moreover, the recent advancements and applications of transethosomes in delivering various therapeutic agents, such as analgesics, anti-inflammatories, hormones, and skincare products, are explored. The enhanced skin penetration capabilities of transethosomes can potentially reduce systemic side effects and improve patient compliance, making them a valuable tool in the field of transdermal drug delivery. In conclusion, transethosomes represent a promising platform for overcoming the challenges of transdermal drug delivery. Their unique properties enable efficient drug permeation through the skin, offering a more controlled and effective means of administering a wide range of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. This abstract highlights the potential of transethosomes as a valuable addition to the field of transdermal drug delivery and paves the way for further research and development in this area.

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have received significant attention in recent years. TDDS are flexible systems that transport active components to the skin for either localized or systemic delivery of drugs through the skin. Among the three main layers of skin, the outermost layer, called the stratum corneum (SC), prevents the entry of water-loving bacteria and drugs with a high molecular weight. The challenge lies in successfully delivering drugs through the skin, which crosses the stratum corneum. The popularity of lipid-based vesicular delivery systems has increased in recent years due to their ability to deliver both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. Ethosomes are specialized vesicles made of phospholipids that can store large amounts of ethanol. Ethosome structure and substance promote skin permeability and bioavailability. This article covers ethosome compositions, types, medication delivery techniques, stability, and safety. In addition to this, an in-depth analysis of the employment of ethosomes in drug delivery applications for a wide range of diseases has also been discussed. This review article highlights different aspects of ethosomes, such as their synthesis, characterization, marketed formulation, recent advancements in TDDS, and applications.