Abstract

This study compared the physicochemical characteristics of conventional and elastic liposomes in terms of surfactant incorporation, flow rate, elasticity, mean diameter, phospholipid content and permeation capability. Surfactants were incorporated into conventional liposomes in order to enhance the transdermal transport of drugs through the stratum corneum. The unilamellar liposomes produced composed of egg phosphatidylcholine (PCegg) as the structural component and polyethylene glycol-8-lauryl ester (PEG8L) as the elastic component. Results showed fluidity increased of the lipid bilayer with surfactant incorporation, and particle integrity was preserved. These factors determined the ability of elastic liposomes to permeate nanoporous membranes. The elastic liposomes presented a size of ~100 nm and a polydispersity index of 0.38. The flow rate of the liposomes through membranes obeyed Darcy's law, with characteristics similar to those of water. The findings demonstrate the potential of elastic liposomes for transdermal drug administration.

Key words: Liposomes, surfactants, transdermal transport.