The Influence of Selected Steroid Hormones on the Physicochemical Behavior of DPPC Liposomes

The study investigated the effects of steroid hormones 17-β-estradiol, cyproterone acetate, and finasteride on the physicochemical properties of DPPC liposomes, which are used for topical applications. Using micro-DSC and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, the research demonstrated that even at a low concentration of 0.5% (w/w), these hormones altered the liposome size, zeta potential, and phase transition temperatures. The hormones interacted with both the phospholipid surface and the lipophilic core of the bilayers, indicating the presence of polar and non-polar interactions. This research provided insights into the incorporation and localization of these hormones within liposomes, which could aid in predicting their release properties and stability.