Transethosomal System for Enhanced Dermal Delivery of Clindamycin

Overcoming the skin barrier is crucial for the treatment of skin infections affecting the deep skin layers. Delivery of therapeutics to these layers is considered the key to efficient treatment. The objective of this study is to develop and investigate a nanovesicular system to improve the penetration of the antibacterial drug, clindamycin, into the skin. The carrier employed in this investigation is a transethosomal carrier consisting of phospholipid nanovesicles that possess flexible and adaptable characteristics due to the inclusion of surfactants and cosolvents like ethanol and propanediol. System characterization by atomic force microscopy and dynamic light scattering revealed the presence of enclosed, spherical nanovesicles. Additional pH measurements indicated that the system is appropriate for topical application. The drug release rate in the in vitro tests was shown to be dependent on the viscosity of the system. The results indicated that higher concentrations of the thickening agent, hydroxypropyl cellulose, led to sustained release characteristics. Furthermore, in vitro penetration experiments indicated an enhanced penetration of clindamycin into the skin tissue as compared to traditional formulations. These findings point towards the significance of the transethosomal carrier in facilitating the penetration of drugs into the epidermis leading to better management of bacterial skin infections.