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Updated: Feb 4, 2026
09:44
Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery
Published on: September 26, 2025
520
Phytantriol-based lyotropic liquid crystal as a transdermal delivery system
Jun Wan1, Sheng-Mei Wang1, Zhi-Ping Gui1
1Department of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui 230012, China.
Summary
Phytantriol-based hexagonal and cubic liquid crystals effectively deliver trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) through the skin. These formulations show enhanced permeability and anti-inflammatory effects comparable to commercial products.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Dermatology
Background:
- Trans-cinnamaldehyde (TCA) possesses therapeutic potential but requires effective delivery systems.
- Percutaneous administration offers a non-invasive route for drug delivery.
- Liquid crystal formulations are explored for enhanced drug permeation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the feasibility of phytantriol-based cubic and hexagonal liquid crystals for percutaneous TCA delivery.
- To characterize TCA-loaded liquid crystal formulations.
- To assess in vitro and in vivo skin permeability and preliminary pharmacodynamics of TCA formulations.
Main Methods:
- Preparation and characterization of TCA-loaded phytantriol-based cubic and hexagonal liquid crystal formulations.
- In vitro skin permeation studies comparing liquid crystals with a control gel.
- In vivo transdermal permeability assessment using Area Under the Curve (AUC).
- Pharmacodynamic evaluation in adjuvant arthritic (AA) rats, including paw swelling, histological analysis, and serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α).
Main Results:
- Both cubic and hexagonal liquid crystals enhanced TCA cumulative permeation quantity and rates compared to gel.
- In vivo studies showed significantly higher AUC(0-∞) for hexagonal (1.62x) and cubic (1.53x) liquid crystals versus gel.
- High-dose hexagonal liquid crystal formulation demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory effects in AA rats, reducing paw swelling and inflammatory markers.
- TCA-loaded hexagonal liquid crystal exhibited comparable anti-inflammatory efficacy to Voltaren® emulgel®.
Conclusions:
- Phytantriol-based hexagonal liquid crystals are effective delivery systems for percutaneous trans-cinnamaldehyde administration.
- The hexagonal liquid crystal formulation shows promising therapeutic potential for inflammatory conditions.
- Further investigation into hexagonal liquid crystals as a viable transdermal drug delivery system is warranted.
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