Transdermal baicalin delivery using diethylene glycol monoethyl ether-mediated cubic phase gel

[Display omitted] This study investigated the transdermal permeability of baicalin, a hydrophobic and readily hydrolyzed drug, delivered by glyceryl monooleate (GMO)-based cubic phase gel (CPG) mediated with Transcotol® P (TP, diethylene glycol monoethyl ether). A range of CPGs was produced by varying GMO, water, and TP levels. Examination of their physicochemical properties revealed that the optically isotropic CPG showed higher viscosity than lamellar phase gels (LPG), and the baicalin cargo increased CPG viscosity. The GMO:TP ratio and water content also altered viscosity. CPG-mediated delivery increased baicalin’s skin permeation, with 76.65- to 200.24-fold higher (p