Formulation and optimization of transfersome containing minoxidil and caffeine

Alopecia is one of the common causes of hair loss in the world. Aimed to improve drug delivery to hair follicles, a box benken design was applied to formulate minoxidil and caffeine in liposomes with flexible membrane (transfersome). The ratio of polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 80, as the edge activators, and the hydration volume were studied as independent variables. Furthermore, entrapment efficiency, release rate, and stability of transfersomes were evaluated as dependent variables. The results showed that using of 22.2% of polysorbate 80 and 9.3% polysorbate 20 in the formulation enhanced the drug delivery to skin. Also, increasing the ratio of polysorbate enhanced entrapment efficiency of minoxidil and caffeine because of an increase in liposome formation. Finally, Co-delivery of minoxidil and caffeine in transfersomes enhanced the hair length and weight in vivo.