Development and optimization of quercetin and β-sitosterol co-loaded transethosomes for melanoma skin cancer

Quercetin and β-sitosterol were successfully co-encapsulated in a transethosomal nanovesicular system to improve drug delivery and produce an enhanced anticancer effect for the treatment of skin cancer. This study aimed to develop and optimise a quercetin and β-sitosterol co-loaded transethosomal and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and in vitro anticancer potential against melanoma. Box-Behnken design was used for optimisation, with vesicle size and zeta potential chosen as important response parameters and Tween 80, Soy Lecithin, and Ethanol used as independent variables. Franz diffusion cells were used to confirm the improved formulation experimentally and assess its in vitro drug release and skin retention. The optimised formulation showed a vesicle size of 92.84 nm, PDI of 0.198, and zeta potential of -16.5 mV. Significant skin retention and sustained 24-hour release were observed, reaching 68.02% for quercetin and 72.09% for β-sitosterol. Non-irritancy and isotonicity were verified by HET-CAM analysis.