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Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery
Published on: September 26, 2025
Bicellar systems as a new colloidal delivery strategy for skin
L Rubio1, G Rodríguez, L Barbosa-Barros
1Departament de Tecnología Química i de Tensioactius, Institut de Química Avançada de Catalunya (IQAC), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
Colloids and Surfaces. B, Biointerfaces
|December 30, 2011
Summary
Bicellar systems effectively control the skin penetration of diclofenac diethylamine (DDEA) and flufenamic acid (Ffa). These phospholipid aggregates show potential for future drug and cosmetic delivery applications by retarding percutaneous absorption.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutics
- Biophysics
Background:
- Bicellar systems, discoidal aggregates of phospholipids, are explored as novel delivery vectors.
- Controlled release of active compounds through the skin is a key challenge in drug and cosmetic delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate bicellar systems for controlled percutaneous delivery of diclofenac diethylamine (DDEA) and flufenamic acid (Ffa).
- To characterize the effect of DDEA and Ffa encapsulation on bicellar system properties.
Main Methods:
- Bicellar systems were formulated using long and short alkyl chain phospholipids.
- Particle size and morphology were analyzed using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM).
- Percutaneous absorption studies were conducted comparing bicellar systems with conventional solutions.
Main Results:
- Encapsulation of DDEA decreased particle size, while Ffa increased it.
- Bicellar systems significantly reduced the percutaneous absorption of both DDEA and Ffa compared to controls.
- The retardant effect on skin penetration was more pronounced for Ffa.
Conclusions:
- Bicellar systems demonstrate potential as retardant delivery vehicles for topical applications.
- These systems offer a promising strategy for controlled drug and cosmetic delivery, modulating percutaneous absorption.
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