The preparation of high minoxidil loaded transfersomes and its gel for effective topical treatment of alopecia

Transfersomes is one of the most effective nanotechnology-based formulation for transdermal delivery of minoxidil (MXD), however the potential use was limited by its low drug content ( DC ) and entrapment efficiency ( EE ). In this study, efforts have been made to improve DC and EE of MXD in transfersomes for effective topical treatment of alopecia . By dissolving both MXD and edge activator (Tween 80) in aqueous phase than either or both of them co-dissolving in organic solvent with lipids (phospholipid and cholesterol with mass ratio of 5:1), the DC and EE of MXD transfersomes prepared by thin film hydration method were significantly increased. The optimized transfersomes (MT) and its gel (MT gel ) with mass ratio of drug, Tween 80 and lipids 3:1:18 have a spherical morphology without aggregation, and a particle size of not more than 100 nm. The differential scanning calorimetry measurements revealed that the drug in MT was in the non-crystalline state. MT and MT gel exhibited better in vitro transdermal penetration ability and hair of C57BL/6 mice growth-promoting capacity than commercial formulations. MT gel has non-irritation and is better than MT in skin adhesion, stability, potential for skin storage and hair growth promotion ability, which could endow it to be a promising strategy for topical treatment of alopecia.