Transferosomes have emerged as a prominent ultradeformable vesicular platform for transdermal and topical drug delivery, addressing the persistent limitation imposed by the stratum corneum on the permeation of hydrophilic, high-molecular-weight and poorly bioavailable therapeutics. This paper examines transferosomes as next-generation lipid-based nanovesicles composed primarily of phospholipids and edge activators, whose synergistic architecture imparts exceptional elasticity, membrane adaptability and hydration-driven mobility. Unlike conventional liposomes and niosomes, transferosomes exploit the trans-epidermal osmotic gradient and reversible membrane deformation to traverse narrow intercellular pathways while preserving vesicular integrity, thereby enabling deeper dermal penetration and in some cases, systemic delivery. The review synthesizes current knowledge on their composition, mechanism of penetration, methods of preparation and physicochemical characterization. Across the literature, transferosomes demonstrate marked advantages, including enhanced bioavailability, avoidance of first-pass metabolism, controlled release, improved site specificity and the capacity to encapsulate hydrophilic, lipophilic, and amphiphilic compounds. Their applications span insulin, proteins, peptides, corticosteroids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, anesthetics, antioxidants and anticancer agents. However, challenges remain, particularly chemical instability, oxidative susceptibility, scale-up constraints, phospholipid purity concerns, and relatively high production costs. Overall, transferosomes represent a highly promising and adaptable transdermal carrier system with substantial therapeutic relevance and strong potential for future pharmaceutical translation, especially in the design of noninvasive, targeted, and patient-compliant drug delivery strategies.
Preethi Bolli and Narsamma Kandi Kavitha Bhoni* (Fri,) studied this question.