title: Skin permeation behavior of elastic liposomes: role of formulation ingredients.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  With the incorporation of edge activators into the lipid bilayer structure, elasticity properties are given to liposomes. Regardless of the debate over the precise permeation mechanism of elastic liposomes, these vesicles have been proven to enhance drug permeation into or through skin in most cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  This article provides an overview of the formulation ingredients of elastic liposomes and their relationship with skin permeation behavior. The ingredients are divided into two categories of basic and optional ingredients. The effect of stability on permeation behavior of the vesicles is highlighted.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  More attention should be paid to the stability of elastic liposomes. The different stability properties of the elastic liposomes following administration can induce different skin permeation behaviors of the vesicles. It is necessary to select the optimum composition of the elastic liposomes in order to control the stability and permeation behavior of the vesicles into or through the skin. Moreover, for the development of elastic liposomes, particular attention should also be paid to the drug leakage from the vesicles during long-term storage. The application of optional ingredients to improve the stability and/or elasticity of the elastic liposomes is becoming a new trend.
authors.affiliation: Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing, PR China.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Wen-Li
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Gu
authors.forename: Shan-Shan
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Lu
authors.forename: Zhi-Peng
authors.initials: ZP
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Bao-Chang
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Cai
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D008081:Liposomes / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000378:metabolism*; D012869:Skin Absorption
chemical_list: D008081:Liposomes; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations