Glycerosomes: An Advanced Vesicular Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Vesicular drug delivery systems have emerged as promising approaches for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents. Among these, Glycerosomes represent a relatively novel class which are made up of phospholipids, water and high concentration of glycerol (from 20 to 40%). Glycerol present in these formulations act as a penetration enhancer and also an edge activator. So, these Glycerosomes possess improved fluidity, stability, encapsulation and penetration than that of conventional liposomes. Glycerosomes have the capacity to encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs and protect them from potential degradation. Glycerosomes are non-invasive, safe, non-toxic and non-irritant in nature. These are advanced versions of liposomes which are used primarily for topical and transdermal drug delivery. This review article summarizes the structure, advantages, composition, methods of preparations, characterization and applications of Glycerosomes.