Fabrication and characterization of hydroquinone in liposomal gel for transdermal drug delivery

Abstract

This study aimed to formulate a gel for hydroquinone dermal therapy using liposomes to maintain the active agents' concentration in the skin's deepest layers. Cholesterol was incorporated to enhance the liposome's bilayer characteristics, increasing microviscosity, membrane stability, and blister rigidity. Various methods for liposome preparation exist, but the film hydration method, being the most common, was utilized here. Results for formulation HL6, which had lower levels of Lecithin Cholesterol and rotation speed, revealed a vesicle size of 180.4 nm, a Zeta potential of -37.5 mV, and an entrapment efficiency of 69.10±1.52%. In-vitro drug release data for formulations F1, F2, and F3 within 30 minutes showed hydroquinone release rates of 97.75±0.28%, 98.92±0.56%, and 94.45±0.36%, respectively. The order of drug release was F2 > F1 > F3, with F2 demonstrating the maximum release rate. The study concludes that liposomal gel is an effective transdermal drug delivery system for therapeutic molecules. Lipid vesicles, such as liposomes, are among the best mechanisms for delivering medications to their intended locations while minimizing their dissemination to non-target tissues. This liposomal gel-based formulation shows significant potential for effectively treating acne by maintaining high concentrations of active agents in the skin's deepest layers and ensuring a controlled and sustained drug release.