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Aims: There are around 24 distinct lipid vesicles described in the literature that are similar to vesicular systems such as liposomes. Liposome-like structures are formed by combining certain amphiphilic lipids with a suitable stabiliser. Since their discovery and classification, self-assembled liposome-like structures as active drug delivery vehicles captured researchers' curiosity., Methodology: This comprehensive study included an in-depth literature search using electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, focusing on studies on liposome and liposomes like structure, discussed in literature till 2024, their sizes, benefits, drawback, method of preparation, characterisation and pharmaceutical applications., Results: Pharmacosomes, cubosomes, ethosomes, transethosomes, and genosomes, all liposome-like structures, have the most potential due to their smaller size with high loading capacity, ease of absorption, and ability to treat inflammatory illnesses. Genosomes are futuristic because of its affinity for DNA/gene transport, which is an area of focus in today's treatments., Conclusion: This review will critically analyse the composition, preparation procedures, drug encapsulating technologies, drug loading, release mechanism, and related applications of all liposome-like structures, highlighting their potential benefits with enhanced efficacy over each other and over traditional carriers by paving the way for exploring novel drug delivery systems in the Pharma industry.

The present investigation was undertaken with an objective of formulating sustained release microspheres of oxcarbazepine (OXC), an anti-epileptic drug, to overcome poor patient compliance and exposure to high doses associated with currently marketed OXC dosage forms. Ionic gelation technique was used to prepare OXC microspheres by using sodium alginate along with rate controlling polymer Colocasia esculenta mucilage (CEM) matrix as well coated form. The microspheres have been characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for understanding thermal stability and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy to investigate the chemical interaction as well as to assess the structure of drug-loaded formulation. Surface morphology of the microspheres was investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The size distribution of OXC microspheres as studied by optical microscopy was in the range of 394-575 pm. The microspheres exhibited encapsulating efficiency from 75 to 92%. The release of drug from the microspheres at pH 1.2 is negligible. Under neutral conditions, the microspheres were swell and release was attributed mainly to polymer relaxation. The release pattern from microspheres followed Korsmeyer-Peppas model and the value of n > 1 showed that drug released by anomalous (non-Fickian) diffusion. The data obtained thus suggest that a microparticulate system can be successfully designed by using CEM with alginate for sustained delivery of OXC.

Ethosomes, which are liposomes like structures, mainly composed primarily of ethanol, have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to enhance the drug permeation via skin. The article discusses the formulation and preparation methods of ethosomes, offering insights into the various factors that influence their size, shape, and stability. Moreover, it explores the techniques used to assess the physicochemical properties of ethosomes and their impact on drug delivery effectiveness. The article also elucidates the mechanism by which ethosomes enhance skin permeation, emphasising their ability to modify the lipid structure and fluidity of the stratum corneum. Additionally, the review investigates the applications of ethosomes in diverse drug delivery scenarios, including the delivery of small molecules, peptides, and phytoconstituents. It highlights the potential of ethosomes to improve drug bioavailability, extend drug release, and achieve targeted delivery to specific skin layers or underlying tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]