Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) have gained significant attention as non-invasive platforms that enhance patient compliance and enable controlled drug release. However, their clinical utility is limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which restricts the permeation of drugs, particularly those with high molecular weight and poor lipophilicity. Consequently, only a limited number of therapeutic agents are suitable for conventional transdermal administration. To overcome these limitations, transferosomes have emerged as a novel and promising vesicular carrier system. Transferosomes are ultra-deformable lipid-based vesicles composed of phospholipids and edge activators (surfactants) that impart elasticity and membrane flexibility. Their unique structural characteristics enable encapsulation of both hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs and facilitate penetration across the skin via intercellular and transcellular pathways under the influence of the transepidermal hydration gradient. By bypassing hepatic first-pass metabolism, transferosomes improve systemic bioavailability and enhance drug permeation efficiency. This review highlights the structural features, mechanism of action, preparation methods, advantages, limitations, and therapeutic applications of transferosomal drug delivery systems.
*2Keyur S. Patel 1Shah Divyaben Rajendrakumar (Mon,) studied this question.