Gel formulations containing catanionic vesicles composed of alprenolol and SDS: Effects of drug release and skin penetration on aggregate structure

► Catanionic vesicles composed of alprenolol and SDS in covalently and physically cross-linked gels prolong drug release and decrease skin penetration rates. ► Drug release was studied in a modified UPS paddle method and skin penetration in horizontal Ussing chambers. ► Throughout the drug release the vesicle structures were maintained, which was visualized with cryo-TEM and the gel structure of the physically cross-linked gels was confirmed rheologically. ► Catanionic vesicles are stable throughout the drug release process and when applied on a biological membrane.