Work

The effects of targeted delivery of hydrocortisone and betamethasone 17 valerate encapsulated in multilamellar liposomes using reconstructed human epidermis with keratinocytes mimicking atopic dermatitis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The skin's protective barrier, the stratum corneum , limits the penetration of active ingredients, posing a challenge for topical drug delivery. Liposomes, particularly multilamellar liposomes (MLLs), offer a promising solution for targeted drug delivery. Recent studies have shown that shear-induced MLLs can target specific skin layers or promote transdermal passage.The aim objective of this study was to prove that drugs encapsulated in MLLs could be delivered to the desired layer and had a therapeutic effect. To achieve this proof-of-concept, corticosteroids, betamethasone-17 valerate and hydrocortisone were encapsulated in MLLs and atopic dermatitis was chosen as disease. The study confirmed the ability of shear-induced MLLs to deliver drugs to specific skin layers. MLLs were more efficient than commercial creams demonstrating their potential as therapeutic vectors. The progressive release of corticosteroids from MLLs, their targeting capacity, and their thermo-protective properties likely contributed to their efficacy, reducing the risk of side effects such as skin atrophy. MLLs offer an efficient delivery method for topical treatments, improving therapeutic outcomes for various skin diseases while providing a cost-effective solution for patients and healthcare systems.

Source: JID Innovations

DOI: 10.1016/j.xjidi.2026.100542