Deformable Pathways: Exploring Transferosome Architecture and Functionality in Modern Drug Delivery Systems

Transferosomes are ultradeformable nanocarrier vesicles designed to enhance transdermal drug delivery. Their unique elasticity enables them to traverse the stratum corneum by adapting to microscopic pores, facilitating the transport of both low- and high-molecular-weight compounds that typically exhibit poor skin permeability. These vesicles are composed primarily of phospholipids and edge activators, allowing efficient encapsulation of hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic drugs. As a result, transferosomes increase drug absorption, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy by modulating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles. The current review provides a comprehensive overview of transferosomes, including their structural characteristics, mechanisms of skin penetration, and various preparation techniques. Key formulation factors affecting their stability and performance, along with their advantages over conventional drug delivery systems, will be discussed. Furthermore, current applications, limitations, and recent advancements will be highlighted, underscoring the potential of transferosomes as a promising, noninvasive platform for transdermal drug delivery.