Skin permeation

Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS), particularly in the form of patches, have emerged as a major breakthrough in pharmaceutical science, enabling drugs to be administered directly through the skin in a non-invasive manner. These systems allow controlled and sustained drug release, leading to improved therapeutic efficiency. Unlike conventional oral route Skin, TDDS bypass first-pass metabolism and help maintain consistent plasma drug concentrations. Progress in this field has been driven by the development of innovative materials, novel polymers, advanced permeation enhancers, and smart delivery platforms. The incorporation of nanotechnology has broadened the applicability of TDDS, making it possible to deliver molecules that were previously unsuitable for transdermal administration. Deeper understanding of skin physiology and its barrier functions has facilitated the design of next-generation patches utilizing nanocarriers, microemulsions, and stimuli-responsive polymers. Additionally, approaches such as microneedle arrays, iontophoresis, and sonophoresis have significantly boosted drug permeation across the skin. Several marketed products highlight the practical success of these technologies, while ongoing research continues to refine delivery strategies and evaluation techniques. Overall, the evolution of TDDS has led to more effective, convenient, and patient-friendly therapeutic options, positioning them as a promising platform for addressing complex treatment challenges and catering to diverse healthcare needs in the future.

Present study has been an effort towards improving the skin penetration of Minoxidil by encapsulating it in niosomes. Niosomal formulations of Minoxidil were prepared by thin film hydration method using two different surfactants like sorbitan monoesters (span 40, 60) and polysorbate (tween 60) with cholesterol. The prepared niosomes were evaluated for size, shape, entrapment efficiency and in-vitro drug release. Niosomes were spherical in shape and size range was found to be 4.10±1.05 to 6.74±2.99 μm. The entrapment efficiency was found in the range of 36.74±0.84 to 61.16±0.36 % at the end of 24hrs. Among all the Minoxidil niosomes the promising formulation were found to be of span 60 and cholesterol in the ratio of 1:0.2 and were incorporated into carbopol gel. The prepared gel was characterised for appearance, pH, drug content, viscosity and in-vitro drug release. The in-vitro drug release study was carried out using phosphate buffer saline (PBS) pH 7.4 and was found to be 42.16±1.94% at the end of 12 hrs.