Formulation and evaluation of piroxicam transferosomal gel: an approach for penetration enhancement

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of transferosomes containing Span 80 and Tween 80 as surfactants on the skin permeation and deposition of Piroxicam. Particle size and entrapment efficiency percent (EE %) were measured by the dynamic light scattering and dialysis method, respectively. The in vitro permeation capacity of the formulations was compared with conventional gel formulations using a modified Franz diffusion cell. The mean particle size of the transferosomes and liposomes was 165 +/- 12 and 142 +/- 8 nm. respectively. Corresponding values for the EE % were obtained (66.1 and 59.6 %). The maximum flux values belonged to transferosomal gels (135.85 +/- 13.61 and 130.65 +/- 21.02 mu g/cm(2)/h) which were about six-fold higher than conventional gel. A significant increase was observed in mean deposition percent of transferosomal and liposomal gels after 24 h compared with conventional gel (P < 0.05). The results confirmed that the transferosomes are promising carriers for the skin permeation and deposition of Piroxicam.