The future of vesicular drug delivery: transferosomes in therapeutic advancement—applications, innovations and challenges

Transferosomes represent a novel vesicular drug delivery system developed to overcome the limitations of traditional transdermal systems. These ultra-deformable lipid bilayers facilitate barrier disruption via diffusion across the stratum corneum and transport both small molecules and macromolecules such as proteins and peptides. This review discusses the structural components of transferosomes, methods of preparation and methods of characterization, with an emphasis on the unique mechanism of skin penetration that is initiated by a trans-epidermal hydration gradient. The potential applications for transferosomes span a wide range of therapeutics including antioxidants, corticosteroids, anticancer agents, NSAIDs and biomolecules, such as insulin and interferons. Transferosomes offer many benefits such as enhanced bioavailability, reduced systemic effects, regional action, and improved patient adherence. However, the leap to clinical applications has been challenging due to barriers related to stability, scalability, complex formulations, variability in skin biology and toxicity. Recent innovations-hybrid vesicular systems, polymer-coated transferosomes and lyophilization to improve stability or laden transferosomes with topical cosmeceuticals and neurotherapeutics-are examples of a more novel therapeutic approach to help patients. Future directions may involve stimuli-responsive systems, buccal and intranasal delivery, and microneedle arrays or a personalized medicine model. In sum, transferosomes represent a flexible nanocarrier platform that has the potential to change transdermal and mucosal drug delivery through an integrated approach between pharmaceutical and biomedical applications.