EPRI approach on studying deep skin penetration of tretinoin-containing liposomes

Abstract

Introduction: Tretinoin has a variety of skin-beneficial properties. However, when used at the dosages required to get the best outcomes, it also has significant adverse effects. Aim: Side-effects caused by tretinoin could be avoided or minimized by integratingit into lecithin liposomes, which have long-term stability and the ability to penetrate into the deep layers of skin. Material and Methods: Electron paramagnetic resonant spectroscopy imaging (EPRI) was used to study deep skin penetration of hydrogenated lecithin liposomes containing tretinoin, into the porcine skin. To make liposomes EPR-detectable, they were spin-labeled using 16-doxylstearic acid. This paper is a part of an academic (non commercial) study. Results and Conclusion: EPRI proved to be a powerful technique for tracking the spatial distribution of liposomes in the tissue (skin), with the potential to be applied in pharmaceutical trials. To the best of our knowledge, herein it was used for the first time to track the distribution of tretinoin liposomes through the skin.