LeciPlex, invasomes, and liposomes: A skin penetration study

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Vesicular systems are crucial for transdermal drug delivery.
• Optimizing skin penetration and efficacy of drugs like idebenone and azelaic acid remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cationic LeciPlex, invasomes, and liposomes for skin delivery of idebenone and azelaic acid.
• To evaluate their morphology, skin penetration, in vitro cytotoxicity, antimicrobial activity, and in vivo anti-acne efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Characterization of nanocarrier systems (LeciPlex, invasomes, liposomes) using CryoTEM.
• Ex vivo human skin penetration studies with drugs and fluorescent dye.
• In vitro cytotoxicity assays on B16F10 melanoma cells.
• In vitro antimicrobial studies against Propionibacterium acne.
• In vivo anti-acne efficacy studies in rats.

Main Results:

• All systems exhibited nanometer size with low polydispersity.
• LeciPlex enhanced idebenone penetration and anticancer activity; invasomes improved azelaic acid penetration and anti-acne efficacy.
• Invasomes demonstrated the highest anti-acne efficacy in vivo, followed by liposomes and LeciPlex.

Conclusions:

• Vesicular system choice impacts drug penetration and efficacy.
• LeciPlex and invasomes show promise for targeted skin delivery of idebenone and azelaic acid, respectively.
• Invasomes are particularly effective for anti-acne applications.