Ionic Liquids: Momentous Tools in Transdermal Delivery of Biomacromolecules

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery is a promising strategy characterized by minor fluctuations in blood concentrations, few adverse effects, convenience, and excellent patient compliance, especially for biomacromolecules. Conversely, traditional delivery methods are limited by their poor penetration abilities and complex preparation and application techniques. However, some inherent properties of biomacromolecules, such as large sizes, complex structure, and poor stability, can affect their ability to overcome skin barriers and reach deeper layers. Ionic liquids (ILs) are organic salts composed of asymmetric cations and anions in liquid form below 100 °C. ILs provide excellent protection for biomacromolecules and can facilitate their passage through the stratum corneum to cells for therapeutic effects. Therefore, they represent one of the most promising approaches to promoting transdermal penetration. Here, the barriers to effective transdermal delivery, including skin properties and the stability and biocompatibility of IL‐based biomacromolecule formulations, are highlighted and the current status of IL‐based biomacromolecule formulations are focused on, the tremendous advantages of using ILs based on current challenges in transdermal drug delivery are discussed, and light is shed on several ILs frequently used in the delivery of biomacromolecules.

Ionic liquids as the effective technology for enhancing transdermal drug delivery: Design principles, roles, mechanisms, and future challenges

“…Most drugs are weak acidic or alkaline, and their water solubility is poor, which is the main obstacle in the development of new drug formulations. In this context, the ILs increase the solubility of insoluble small molecules and biomolecules, elevating their potential for drug delivery ( Table 5 ) [95] , [96] , [97] .…”

Advances in Transdermal Delivery of Antimicrobial Peptides for Wound Management: Biomaterial-Based Approaches and Future Perspectives

“…A careful selection of materials and a thorough evaluation of their cytotoxicity is necessary to ensure the safety of the transdermal delivery system. Additionally, the use of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) microneedles have shown good biocompatibility and successful transdermal delivery of small-molecule drugs. , …”

“…Additionally, the use of polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA) microneedles have shown good biocompatibility and successful transdermal delivery of small-molecule drugs. 197,203 Regulatory aspects play a significant role in the development and approval of transdermal delivery systems for AMPs. Regulatory agencies have specific guidelines and requirements for evaluating the safety, efficacy, and quality of transdermal drug delivery systems.…”

N-octylpyridine hydrogen sulphate ionic liquid for multifunctional fluorescent response in different solvents

“…ILs with symmetrical structures have higher fluorescence quantum yield owing to the enhanced π–π* conjugation. Owing to the excellent hydrophilicity and strong fluorescence properties of some ILs, they are expected to be novel fluorescent probes [ 21 , 22 ] with high selectivity and sensitivity in the sensing and detection of biomacromolecules [ 23 ], oil field development [ 24 ], electrochemistry [ 25 ], medicine [ 26 ] and other directions. Gan found that due to the tunability of ILs, a new fluorescent IL probe [P66614][HQS] was designed, synthesised and characterised owing to the introduction of specific fluorophores into ILs.…”