Formulating transethosomes for transdermal delivery of cosmeceuticals in treatment of atopic dermatitis

In this dissertation three different types of transethosomes have been formu- lated and produced for the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Transethosomes, vesicles containing ethanol and a surfactant in their formulations, are superior to regular lipo- somes when it comes to flexibility, permeability and loading efficiency. The aim of this study was to facilitate forming nano-systems with better skin delivery properties. All transethosomes contained Soy PC, cholesterol, either Tween 80 or oleic acid as sur- factant and ethanol within their formulations. Into these systems ceramides, vitamins and proteins were incorporated, respectively. Initial formulations were carried out with Cer3, due to its critical function in regulating transdermal water loss. Cer3-containing transethosomes were successfully loaded with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic cargo, with high loading efficiencies. The impact of surfactant type on loading efficiency was investigated in the second set, which involved with VitC and VitE. Both single and dual loading of the two vita- mins into transethosomes were successfully carried out with Tween 80 or oleic acid as surfactants. These formulations looked promising candidates for usage in transdermal administration tests. The chitosan coating, which was intended to broaden the range of applications of these transethosomes was also implemented with increased stability and loading efficiency. Since proteins have the potential to enhance atopic dermatitis therapy, they were used in the third set of formulations. Filaggrin, PAD-1 and caspase- 14 proteins were successfully loaded into vesicles. All transethosomes were analyzed in terms of size, homogeneity, morphology and loading efficiencies.