Bicellar systems as modifiers of skin lipid structure

Area of Science:

• Colloid science
• Materials science
• Biophysics

Background:

• Bicellar systems are self-assembling nano-structures with potential in drug delivery.
• Understanding their interaction with biological barriers like the stratum corneum (SC) is crucial for dermatological applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize bicellar aggregates formed by DMPC/DHPC and DPPC/DHPC.
• To investigate the effects of these bicellar systems on the SC lipid microstructure.
• To evaluate the potential of bicelles as novel drug delivery systems for transdermal applications.

Main Methods:

• Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) for aggregate size analysis.
• Freeze Fracture Electron Microscopy (FFEM) for SC microstructure visualization.
• In vitro skin treatment models to assess bicellar interactions.

Main Results:

• Both DMPC/DHPC and DPPC/DHPC formed small discoidal aggregates at room temperature.
• DMPC/DHPC bicelles did not alter the SC lipid microstructure.
• DPPC/DHPC bicelles induced new structures in SC lipid domains, indicating lipid passage and interaction.

Conclusions:

• Bicellar systems, particularly DPPC/DHPC, can modify the SC lipid microstructure.
• The absence of surfactants and small aggregate size offer advantages for dermatological use.
• Bicelles show promise as effective and safe drug carriers for transdermal delivery.