Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 18, 2026

Development, Characterization, and Evaluation of CAGE-based Ionic Liquid Systems for Transdermal Delivery
Published on: September 26, 2025
Lipid-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Concepts and Recent Advances in Transdermal Applications
Lefkothea Antonara1, Efstathia Triantafyllopoulou1, Maria Chountoulesi1
1Section of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, School of Health Sciences, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15784 Athens, Greece.
Abstract:
Lipid-based nanocarriers are ideal drug delivery systems for transdermal administration due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Their lipophilicity and/or similarity to the natural lipids of the epidermis enable intermolecular interactions with the lipid membrane and therefore result in effective passage through the skin. The purpose of this review is to focus on lipid-based drug delivery nanoplatforms administered via the transdermal route by summarizing the most recent developments with the intention of fast clinical translation. Liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), ethosomes, and transfersomes exhibit ideal physicochemical characteristics and encapsulation efficiency to enhance the effectiveness of the incorporated Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). The state of the art for fabricating transcutaneous lipid drug delivery nanoparticles and the strategies for overcoming the current obstacles, as well as the added value of novel formulations, will be discussed within the scope of Quality by Design applications. The limitations and challenges that still exist will also be considered.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Non-Oral Extravascular Drug Absorption Routes
Lipophilic drugs that are stable at salivary pH (6) and exhibit minimal binding to the oral mucosa are absorbed more...
Cellular Membranes and Drug Transport
Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads oriented outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.
Mechanisms of Drug Absorption: Paracellular, Transcellular, and Vesicular Transport
However, most drugs use the transcellular route, traversing directly through the cell membranes via two mechanisms: passive and active transport. Passive...

