Physicochemical characterization of colloidal drug delivery systems such as reverse micelles, vesicles, liquid crystals and nanoparticles for topical administration.

Topical administration of cosmetics and pharmaceuticals involves a variety of different formulations of which colloidal drug carrier systems are currently of particular interest. After a short introduction of reverse micellar solutions, liquid crystals, vesicles and nanoparticles, appropriate methods of physicochemical characterization are introduced including X-ray diffraction, laser light scattering, electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry. Emphasis is laid on topical applications of the colloidal drug delivery systems (DDS) covered, with the main objective of both sustained drug release and improved stability of DDS.