Liposomal and Ethosomal Gels: From Design to Application

Overview & Synopsis

In the last several decades, lipid-based nanosystems have received greater attention in the drug delivery field due to their “green” properties (biodegradable and non-toxic components) and their easy manufacturing and handling. Among them, vesicular systems such as liposomes, niosomes, and ethosomes are some of the most attractive candidates for improving the topical administration of drugs such as small molecules, peptides, proteins, and bacteriophages due to their similarity with epidermal lipids. Indeed, they have applications in different pathologies, mostly in cutaneous diseases. With the aim of implementing the use of liposomes, niosomes, and ethosomes for skin and mucosae applications, these vesicles need to be thickened, and their inclusion into gelled matrixes based on natural or synthetic polymers or biomaterials represents a promising tool to enhance their adhesive properties and to overcome their viscosity.This Special Issue reprint summarizes the latest advancements in the production, characterization, stability, and application of vesicular systems in gelled formulations.