Preparation and characterization of ethosomes for topical delivery of aceclofenac

The aim of present study was to prepare and characterized ethosomes of aceclofenac which may deliver the drug to targeted site more efficiently than marketed gel preparation and also overcome the problems related with oral administration of drug. The formulations were prepared with varying the quantity of ethanol 10-50% (v/v), lecithin 1-4% (w/v), propylene glycol 5-20% (v/v) and evaluated for their vesicle size, shape and surface morphology, entrapment efficiency and in vitro drug permeation study. Ethosomes of average size of 1.112 μm with a spherical shape bearing smooth surface were observed by transmission electron microscopy and surface electron microscopy. The maximum entrapment of ethosomes was 91.06±0.79%. Cumulative amount of drug permeated through the biological membrane was found to be in the range of 0.26±0.014 to 0.49±0.032 mg/cm(2). Stability profile of prepared system was assessed for 45 days and the results revealed that very less degradation of drug was observed during storage condition.