Background/Objectives: The topical delivery of antibiotics through transethosomes shows promise for enhancing its dermal delivery for the treatment of skin infections. This study aimed to develop and characterize azithromycin-loaded transethosomes to enhance topical drug delivery and improve the antibacterial activity of azithromycin. Methods: The prepared azithromycin formulations underwent assessment for various characteristics, including their vesicle dimensions, size distribution, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency, and morphological features (via TEM analysis). Additionally, their thermal properties were examined through DSC analysis, and their stability was monitored over six months under refrigerated storage conditions. The sequential tape-stripping technique was employed to conduct ex vivo penetration studies on human skin. Interactions between transethosomes and stratum corneum lipids were examined using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Additionally, the formulations were tested for their in vitro antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. Results: The findings revealed that AZ 1 and AZ 2 had vesicle sizes of 108.44 ± 5.72 nm and 70.42 ± 6.02 nm, zeta potential measurements of −11.897 ± 1.820 mV and −34.575 ± 4.535 mV, and high entrapment efficiencies of 99.259 ± 0.086% and 99.560 ± 0.014%, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis confirmed the spherical nature of the vesicles, whereas differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) confirmed the successful encapsulation of azithromycin in transethosomes. The formulations exhibited acceptable physical stability at 4 °C for six months. Ex vivo studies revealed a significantly higher deposition of azithromycin in the skin by both transethosome formulations than by the drug solution (p < 0.05), with low systemic absorption. Among the formulations, AZ 2 resulted in much deeper skin penetration, with deeper dermal and epidermal layer deposition (1.388 ± 0.242 µg/cm²) compared to AZ 1 (four-fold higher, p < 0.05) and to the control drug solution (12 times more, p < 0.05). Analysis using ATR-FTIR suggested that azithromycin-loaded transethosomes improve the drug penetration by increasing the lipid fluidity and extracting lipids from the stratum corneum. Moreover, the transethosomes loaded with azithromycin demonstrated enhanced antibacterial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values that were lower than those of the free drug solution. Conclusion: The results highlight the promising potential of transethosomes as a novel topical drug delivery system for azithromycin that offers improved therapeutic effects against skin infections

This study reports the use of an in situ-forming gel based on hyaluronic–chitosan–glycerophosphate for wound healing. Hydrogels with optimized thermoresponsive gelling, rheological, and prolonged drug release properties were developed and incorporated with ciprofloxacin and carvacrol. In vitro evaluations included rheological studies, swelling degree, degradation rates, morphological analysis, antioxidant effects, antimicrobial activity, and drug release studies. The effectiveness of the optimized hydrogel was assessed using an animal ischemic wound rabbit ear model. The incorporation of ciprofloxacin and carvacrol into the combined hydrogel system maintained the mechanical strength of the formula, with a G′/G″ ≈ ratio of approximately 15.6, interconnected porosity, and controlled swelling. It enhanced antimicrobial activity against both S. aureus and E. coli. In addition, the developed gel exhibited sustained release following the Higuchi diffusion kinetics. The quantitative wound area% indicated that on day 9, the mean wound area decreased from 81.8% for the control to 51.2% for the developed gel. The study findings demonstrate the suitability and potential of this system as multifunctional wound-healing formulations that promote moist healing, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, while providing sustained therapeutic delivery over 24 h.

Background: Curcumin is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects; however, its clinical use in wound care is restricted by its poor water solubility and low skin absorption. Chronic wounds, often associated with infection and delayed healing, necessitate targeted and effective treatment strategies. Methods: Transethosomes were developed to improve the topical delivery of curcumin. Their size, structure, and stability were assessed using standard techniques, including dynamic light scattering and electron microscopy. Drug distribution in skin layers was measured through ex vivo studies, and FTIR analysis was used to evaluate barrier disruption. Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity were evaluated in vitro, and wound healing was assessed using an in vitro scratch assay. Results: The optimized formulation had a size of 115.8 ± 4.9 nm, low polydispersity index (0.127 ± 0.022), and nearly complete drug loading (99.7%). Skin deposition of curcumin was significantly higher than that in the control (p < 0.05) across all layers, with minimal systemic absorption. FTIR confirmed lipid disruption in the stratum corneum. Antimicrobial testing showed preserved activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Importantly, the formulation was less toxic to healthy cells (IC₅₀: 12.76 µg/mL vs. 6.2 µg/mL for the free drug). Wound healing assays showed 25% faster closure, reaching full repair in 72 hours. These biological endpoints confirmed that enhanced skin deposition was accompanied by improved therapeutic performance. Conclusion: Transethosomes improved curcumin skin delivery, reduced its cytotoxicity, and accelerated wound healing in vitro. This formulation offers a promising strategy for skin-targeted drug delivery, especially in chronic wound care, and supports further testing in advanced wound models in the future.

Excessive exposure to unprotected sunlight increases the risk of premature skin aging and cancer. University students can be considered a high-risk group for the short- and long-term adverse effects of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, owing to their intensive exposure to the sun. This study aimed to evaluate university students’ knowledge and practice of sunscreen use in Northern Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire to assess knowledge and practice. The questionnaire was created using Google Forms and was distributed online on different social media platforms. Participants were recruited through convenience sampling and snowball questionnaire distribution. A total of 915 university students participated in this study. The results showed that the students were aware of the different types of skin damage resulting from exposure to sunlight. Female participants and those who took courses on skincare or cosmetics had higher knowledge scores. Participants from faculties unrelated to human health had lower knowledge scores. Most participants used sunscreen (80.1%), and there was a significant association between sunscreen use and sex. Female participants had a higher usage of sunscreen than male participants (90.5% compared to 36.1%, p < 0.001). Participants who used sunscreen continuously had a higher average knowledge score (3.0 ± 1.1) than other participants who used sunscreen frequently (2.9 ± 1.1), sometimes (2.6 ± 1.3), or rarely (2.4 ± 1.2), p < 0.001. Three-quarters of sunscreen users apply it immediately without renewal. Less than half of sunscreen users apply sunscreen indoors. Pharmacies were still the primary providers of sunscreen products, where most participants bought sunscreen agents (80.8%). In conclusion, the knowledge and practice of sunscreen use among students in Northern Jordan were reasonably acceptable. However, there is a need for awareness campaigns focusing on the importance of sunscreen products. Future awareness campaigns should be directed toward informing students of the need for reapplication and protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.