Development and Characterization of Nanoscale Gel-Core Liposomes Using a Short Self-Assembled Peptide Hydrogel: Implications for Drug Delivery

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Targeted drug delivery systems, delivering drugs to specific locations, are an emerging research interest spanning the fields of nanotechnology, bionanotechnology, and precision medicine. Topical or transdermal delivery has many advantages over traditional injection and oral delivery. Not only can it reduce the risk of systemic exposure and overdose but also it is better tolerated by certain patients. However, skin penetration remains a challenge given the protection conferred by the outermost skin layer ( stratum corneum ), preventing foreign materials, such as pathogenic substances, from infiltrating the body. A promising alternative to overcome the stratum corneum delivery challenge combines the self-assembling properties of nanoscale systems, like liposomes, with peptide hydrogelators, creating an effective topical drug delivery system that couldcross the protective skin barrier. Presented herein is the successful production of gel-core liposomes using two short self-assembled peptide hydrogels. The subsequent composite gel-core liposomes were extensively characterized using a range of techniques including microscopy and SANS.