The aim of this study is to describe adoption barriers emerging on the cosmetics for men market through market research and consumer behaviour exploration. The relationship men have with the cosmetics is not easy to understand, so the purpose of this study is to explore on what is based their relationship to cosmetics market - why some are ready to use cosmetics while other reject. Regarding market of cosmetics for men, there are the barriers that prevent in adoption of cosmetics. The thesis would reveal what influence the social decision making, and would go deeper into what influence men; and what the relationships with products, brands, services, and environment they have. The conclusion will be the interpretation of the adoption barriers on cosmetics for men market.

Considerando que a tendência atual em termos de formulações cosméticas é a veiculação de diferentes substâncias ativas num mesmo produto, visando o sinergismo de efeito, o objetivo desse trabalho foi a avaliação da estabilidade, da segurança e da eficácia clínica de formulações cosméticas, contendo extrato de Myrtus communis e um complexo vitamínico hidratante à base de D-pantenol e derivados de vitaminas C e E, bem como a avaliação da atividade antioxidante in vitro do extrato objeto de estudo. Para tal, na primeira etapa do estudo foram elaboradas 4 formulações de géis creme, F1 (veículo), F2 (veículo acrescido de extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis), F3 (veículo acrescido de D-pantenol) e F4 (veículo acrescido de extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis e D-pantenol), as quais foram submetidas a testes preliminares de estabilidade e à avaliação do comportamento reológico, da compatibilidade cutânea e da eficácia clínica, por métodos subjetivos (avaliação sensorial) e quantitativos por técnicas de biofísica e análise de imagem da pele. No estudo clínico as formulações foram aplicadas nos antebraços e na face das voluntárias, sendo realizadas medidas do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo, da perda de água transepidérmica (TEWL), do micro-relevo cutâneo e da anisotropia da pele, antes (basal) e após 3 horas (efeito imediato) 15 e 30 dias de aplicação das formulações (efeito em longo prazo). Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente pelo teste paramétrico análise de variância. A seguir, a formulação que apresentou melhores resultados na avaliação sensorial e estudo de eficácia, foi acrescida de Tetraisopalmitato de ascorbila (F5) ou Vitamina E - D-Alfa Tocoferol Acetato (F6) ou associação destes (F7). As referidas formulações foram submetidas aos testes de estabilidade e eficácia clínica. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as formulações foram consideradas estáveis e seguras, sendo que a formulação de nº 4 foi a que apresentou o melhor sensorial, de acordo com as voluntárias sendo, portanto, selecionada para ser acrescida dos derivados de vitaminas objeto de estudo. Na avaliação dos efeitos imediatos, as formulações estudadas aumentaram significativamente o conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo nas regiões dos antebraços e da face, quando comparadas com os valores basais. Em relação à TEWL, foi possível observar que as formulações nos 2, 3 e 4 provocaram melhora na função barreira da pele dos antebraços, enquanto que na face apenas as formulações nos 3 e 4 provocaram melhora neste parâmetro. Na avaliação em longo prazo, todas as formulações estudadas, proporcionaram um aumento significativo no conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo após 15 e 30 dias de aplicação, enquanto que somente as formulações que continham as substâncias ativas objeto de estudo, ou seja, as nos 2, 3 e 4, melhoraram a função barreira da pele. No estudo de eficácia clínica onde as formulações F4 (veículo acrescido de extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis e D-pantenol) e F7 (veículo acrescido de extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis, D-pantenol e os derivados de vitamina C e E) foram avaliadas comparativamente, foi possível observar um aumento significativo nos valores do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo, em relação aos valores basais e a região controle (região que não recebeu aplicação de nenhuma formulação), após 15 dias de aplicação. Em relação à TEWL, apenas a formulação F4 (veículo acrescido de extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis e D-pantenol) provocou melhora na função barreira. De acordo com os resultados obtidos, as formulações desenvolvidas neste estudo apresentaram efeito hidratante pronunciado e, as que continham o extrato Myrtus communis e D-pantenol, protegeram a função barreira da pele. Além disso, o extrato de Myrtus communis demonstrou atividade antioxidante pronunciada, efeito considerado muito importante para o emprego deste extrato em cosméticos com finalidades antienvelhecimentos. Finalizando, este estudo mostrou a importância do desenvolvimento de formulações cosméticas estáveis, de sensorial adequado e com eficácia comprovada, contendo o extrato hidrolisado de Myrtus communis e o complexo vitamínico objeto de estudo, para a hidratação, proteção e melhora das condições gerais da pele. / Considering that the current trend in terms of cosmetic formulations is to vehicle different active ingredients in one single product, aiming the effect of synergism, the objective of this study was to evaluate the stability, safety and clinical efficacy of cosmetic formulations containing extract of Myrtus communis and a moisturizing vitamin complex based on D-panthenol and derivatives of vitamins C and E, as well as to evaluate the extract in vitro antioxidant activity. Thus, for the first study stage, four gel cream formulations were developed, F1 (vehicle), F2 (vehicle supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzate extract), F3 (vehicle supplemented with D-panthenol) and F4 (vehicle supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzate extract and D-panthenol), which were submitted to preliminary stability tests, to rheological behavior assessment, to skin compatibility test and to clinical efficacy assessment, by subjective methods (sensorial evaluation) and quantitative methods, by biophysics techniques and skin image analysis. In the clinical study, the formulations were applied on the volunteers´ face and forearms, with measurements of the stratum corneum water content, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin micro-relief and skin anisotropy before (baseline) and after 3 hours (immediate effects), 15 and 30 days of the formulations application (long-term effects). Data were statistically analyzed by parametric test analysis of variance. Afterwards, the formulation that showed best performance in sensory evaluation and clinical efficacy study was supplemented with ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate (F5) or Vitamin E - D-Alpha-Tocopherol Acetate (F6) or a combination of both derivatives of vitamins, C and E (F7). According to the obtained results, all the formulations were considered safe and stable, and formulation 4 was the one with the best sensorial performance, according to the volunteers perception, and, therefore, it was selected to be supplemented with the vitamin derivatives under study. The immediate effects evaluation demonstrated that all the other formulations significantly increased stratum corneum water content in the face and forearms skin, when compared to baseline values. In relation to TEWL, it was observed that the formulations 2, 3 and 4 provoked an improvement in forearm skin barrier function, while only formulations 3 and 4 provoked an improvement on this parameter on the face. In the long-term assessment, all formulations studied promoted a significant increase in stratum corneum water content after 15 and 30 days of the formulations application, while only formulations containing the studied active ingredients, i.e., formulations 2, 3, and 4 improved skin barrier function. In the clinical efficacy study when the formulations F4 (vehicle supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzate extract and D-panthenol) and F7 (vehicle supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzate extract, D-panthenol and derivatives of vitamin C and E) were comparatively assessed, it was possible to observe a significantly increase in stratum corneum water content, when compared to baseline values and to control areas (region which received no formulation), after 15 days of formulations application. Regarding TEWL, only formulation F4 (vehicle supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzate extract and D-panthenol) provoked an improvement in skin barrier function. According to the obtained results, the formulations developed in this study demonstrated a pronounced moisturizing effect, and those containing Myrtus communis extract and D-panthenol, protected the skin barrier function. Moreover, the extract of Myrtus communis demonstrated a pronounced antioxidant activity, an effect considered very important for this extract use in cosmetics aiming anti-aging purposes. Finally, this study demonstrated the relevance of developing stable cosmetic formulations, with adequate sensory characteristics and proven effectiveness, supplemented with Myrtus communis hydrolyzed extract and with the vitamin complex under study, for skin hydration, protection and improvement of general skin conditions

Os retinóides têm sido amplamente utilizados na clínica dermatológica e nos produtos cosméticos com finalidades preventivas e reparadoras dos efeitos indesejáveis do envelhecimento cutâneo. Considerando que a concentração de retinóides, como por exemplo, o ácido retinóico ou o palmitato de retinila, pode influenciar na eficácia e segurança de uso dos mesmos em formulações tópicas, é de fundamental importância o desenvolvimento e avaliação dos efeitos benéficos e/ou colaterais de formulações dermocosméticas contendo diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico (0,025%, 0,05% e 0,1%) e palmitato de retinila (0,25%, 0,5% e 1,0%), visando a obtenção de uma concentração que proporcione a máxima eficácia possível e risco mínimo à pele. Assim, o presente trabalho tem por objetivos avaliar a influência de diferentes concentrações de retinóides (ácido retinóico ou palmitato de retinila) em formulações dermocosméticas com finalidades antienvelhecimento, na pele de camundongos sem pêlo, por estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos, estereológicos e por Bioengenharia Cutânea. Para tal foram preparadas três formulações de géis creme à base de hidroxietilcelulose (HEC) e microemulsão de silicone e octanoato de octila (formulações de nos 1 e 3) e à base de complexo lipídico contendo álcool batílico e lecitina de soja, HEC e octanoato de octila (formulação de nº 2) as quais foram submetidas a testes preliminares de estabilidade. A formulação de nº 1 (F1) foi considerada a mais estável e, portanto, selecionada como veículo para a avaliação dos efeitos do ácido retinóico e do palmitato de retinila na pele de camundongos sem pêlo. Para a realização do ensaio biológico, amostras das formulações, acrescidas ou não (veículo) de 0,025; 0,05 ou 0,1% ácido retinóico ou 0,25; 0,5 ou 1,0% de palmitato de retinila foram aplicadas no dorso de camundongos sem pêlo. Após cinco dias da aplicação diária destas formulações, foram obtidas medidas de índice de eritema pelo equipamento Mexameter® MX16 e medidas do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo pelo equipamento Corneometer® CM825. Em seguida, os camundongos foram mortos e posteriormente foram colhidos fragmentos de pele das áreas que receberam aplicação das formulações, bem como da área que não foi aplicada nenhuma formulação (controle) e, a seguir, obtidos cortes histológicos para a realização dos estudos histopatológicos, morfométricos e estereológicos. De acordo com as metodologias empregadas, foi possível observar que, na avaliação do conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo, somente as formulações que continham ácido retinóico em diferentes concentrações, provocaram mudanças significativas, reduzindo este conteúdo, ou seja, ocasionou um ressecamento na superfície da pele. Apenas as formulações contendo 0,025 e 0,1% de ácido retinóico e 1,0% de palmitato de retinila provocaram um aumento no índice de eritema. Além disso, tanto o ácido retinóico quanto o palmitato de retinila, atuaram na epiderme, porém de modo e intensidade diferentes, sendo que, o ácido retinóico teve um efeito mais pronunciado em relação às variáveis estudadas. As três diferentes concentrações de ácido retinóico e de palmitato de retinila ocasionaram aumento significante da espessura das camadas epiteliais, sem alteração da camada córnea. O ácido retinóico e o palmitato de retinila atuaram ainda aumentando os volumes nuclear, citoplasmático e celular, um dos fatores que ocasionou aumento da espessura do epitélio. Finalizando, ao analisar todas as variáveis histopatológicas, morfométricas e estereológicas, bem como o índice de eritema e o conteúdo aquoso do estrato córneo estudados, podemos sugerir que as formulações que continham as concentrações intermediárias, tanto do ácido retinóico (0,05%) quanto do palmitato de retinila (0,5 %), foram as que apresentaram melhores resultados, principalmente no que se refere a uma relação risco / benefício adequada e aceitável. / Retinoids has been widely used in dermatological clinic and in cosmetics products with preventive purposes as well as for the repairmen of the cutaneous aging undesirable effects. Considering that the concentration of retinoids, i.e., the retinoic acid or the retinyl palmitate, can influence their efficacy and safety in topical formulations, the development and evaluation of the beneficial and/or collateral effect of dermocosmetic formulations containing different concentrations of retinoic acid (0.025%, 0.05% e 0.1%) and retinyl palmitate (0.25%, 0.5% e 1.0%) is very important, aiming at the attainment of a concentration that provides to the maximum possible efficacy and minimum risk to the skin. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different concentrations of retinoids (retinoic acid or retinyl palmitate) in dermocosmetics formulations with antiaging purposes, in hairless mice, using histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies and Skin Bioengineering Techniques. For this purpose, three gel cream formulations were developed, containing hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and silicone microemulsion and octyl octanoate (formulations nº 1 and 3) and a complex lipidic based formulation containing batyl alcohol and lecithin, HEC and octyl octanoate (formulation nº 2), which were submitted to preliminary stability tests. The formulation nº1 (F1) was considered the most stable, therefore, it was selected as the vehicle for the evaluation of the effects of the retinoic acid and the retinyl palmitate in hairless mice skin. For the accomplishment of the biological assay, samples of the formulations, supplemented or not (vehicle) of 0.025, 0.05 or 0.1% retinoic acid or 0.25, 0.5 or 1.0% retinyl palmitate were applied in the dorsal skin of hairless mice. After five days of daily application of these formulations, the erythema index was measured by reflectance spectrophotometry using a Mexameter® MX16 as well as the water content of the stratum corneum using Corneometer® CM825. After that, the hairless mice were sacrificed and later skin fragments were obtained for each area that received application of the formulations, as well as of the area that was not applied any formulation (control) and, after that histologic sections were obtained and submitted to histopathological, morphometric and stereologic studies. In accordance with the used methodologies, it was possible to observe that in the evaluation of the water content of the stratum corneum, only the formulations that contained retinoic acid in different concentrations provided significant changes, enhancing skin surface dryness. Only the formulations containing 0.025 and 0.1% of retinoic acid and 1.0% of retinyl palmitate provided an increase in erythema index. Moreover, both retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate acted in the epidermis, however in different intensity and way, since retinoic acid had more pronounced effects in relation to the studied variables. The three different concentrations of retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate caused a significant increase of the epithelial layers thickness, without alteration of the horny layer. Retinoic acid and retinyl palmitate also increased the nucleus, cytoplasmic and cell volumes, which was one of the factors that influenced the increase of the epithelium thickness. Finishing, when analyzing all the histopathological, morphometric and stereologic variables, as well as the erythema index and the water content of the stratum corneum studied, we can suggest that the formulations that contained the intermediate concentrations (such as 0.05% of retinoic acid and 0.5% of retinyl palmitate) presented the best results, mainly when an adequate and acceptable risk/ benefit relationship is considered.

<p>With marketing concept being maturely developed, many firms are encouraged being customer-oriented. However, as firms pursue advanced technology development which is in order to meet customers’ various needs and being competitive, the furious competition of products innovation and development is raising which leads to time and people consuming blindly for firms, and the space of being competitive is condensed. In such case, a new logic is advocated which is to ask firms to lay down the separated line with consumers, and start to consider about interaction with consumers and other value network entities, it is time to get rid of single side supply and to advocate two side collaborate. This paper argue the customer orientation should be reconsidered with transmitting into service-dominant logic, through demonstrating from several primary theory foundation, it argued that interaction and collaboration of manufacturing companies and consumers is a new features for firms to find another outlet to being competitive. Even though this mindset is not prevail, it has already started in IT sector, and gradually it will expand to others, because information technology is seen as a good facilities for interaction between companies and consumers, it will be reflected in further practical study.</p>

本研究是探究 「品牌名稱所使用的語言」、「品牌名稱的發音」、「廣告標題 所使用的語言」、「廣告訴求」與「代言人的外型」以上的五項文化面向的相關 要素、符碼對廣告所呈現的「全球消費者文化定位」、「外國消費者文化定位」 與「本國消費者文化定位」之品牌的消費者文化定位造成的影響。 本研究以「內容分析法」分析台灣四本女性時尚雜誌—VOGUE 國際中文版、 VIVI 唯妳時尚國際中文版、MINA 時尚國際中文版及CHOC GIRLS 恰女生中 273 篇化妝品廣告。 本研究發現台灣女性時尚雜誌中化妝品廣告，多使用「全球消費者文化定 位與外國消費者文化定位」作為其品牌的定位策略。 並獲得以下結論： 一、相較於使用中文，若在廣告中使用外國語言作為廣告標題，對判定外國消 費者文化定位有負面的效果。 二、相較於硬性銷售訴求，若在廣告中使用軟性銷售訴求，對判定全球消費者 文化有負面的效果、外國消費者文化定位有正面的效果。 三、相較於與使用當地廣告代言人，若在廣告中使用外國（西方）代言人，對 判定當地消費者文化定位有負面的效果、對外國消費者文化定位有著正面的效 果。 四、相較於與使用當地廣告代言人，若在廣告中使用外國（西方）代言人，對 判定全球消費者文化定位與外國消費者文化定位有著正面的效果，更甚於當地 消費者文化定位。 / This thesis conducts a research of five cultural orientation related elements, or signs—the language used for brand name, the pronunciation of brand name, the language used for advertising title, advertising appeal of either hard-sell or soft-sell for brand positioning, and appearance of spokesperson(s) how to affect the Consumer Cultural Positioning (CCP) of ads. This thesis coducts a content analysis of 273 cosmetics advertisments from four Taiwan women's fashion magazines—VOGUE TAIWAN, VIVI, MINA, and CHOC GIRLS. The thesis finds "Global Consumer Cultural Positioning (GCCP) and Foreign Consumer Cultural Positioning (FCCP)" are used more frequently than Local Consumer Cultural Positioning (LCCP) as the brand positioning strategy in the cosmetics advertisements from Taiwan women's fashion magazines. And, the major conclusions are as following: 1. Compared to using Chinese language, using foreign language as advertising title in an ad has the negative effect to FCCP. 2. Compared to using the hard-sell appeal, using the soft-sell appeal for brand positioning in an ad has the negative effect to GCCP, and the positive effect to FCCP. 3. Compared to using local spokesperson, using western spokesperson for brand positioning in an ad has the negative effect to LCCP, and the positive effect to FCCP. 4. Compared to using local spokesperson, using western spokesperson for brand positioning in an ad has the positive effect to GCCP and FCCP than LCCP.

With marketing concept being maturely developed, many firms are encouraged being customer-oriented. However, as firms pursue advanced technology development which is in order to meet customers’ various needs and being competitive, the furious competition of products innovation and development is raising which leads to time and people consuming blindly for firms, and the space of being competitive is condensed. In such case, a new logic is advocated which is to ask firms to lay down the separated line with consumers, and start to consider about interaction with consumers and other value network entities, it is time to get rid of single side supply and to advocate two side collaborate. This paper argue the customer orientation should be reconsidered with transmitting into service-dominant logic, through demonstrating from several primary theory foundation, it argued that interaction and collaboration of manufacturing companies and consumers is a new features for firms to find another outlet to being competitive. Even though this mindset is not prevail, it has already started in IT sector, and gradually it will expand to others, because information technology is seen as a good facilities for interaction between companies and consumers, it will be reflected in further practical study.

In the warehouse of a large cosmetics company, a mechanized order picker is restocked from nearby shelving, and the shelving is restocked from bulk storage, forming a three-tier inventory system. We consider such multi-tier inventory systems and determine the storage areas to which to assign items, and the quantities in which to store them, in order to minimize the total cost of picking items and restocking storage locations. With this research, we increase the number of inventory systems for which simple search algorithms find a provably near-optimal solution. The model and method were tested on data from the Avon Products distribution center outside Atlanta; the solution identified by the model reduced picking and restocking costs there by 20%. The sales forecasts of items stored in the warehouse may change, however, and new items will be introduced into the inventory system and others removed. To account for these changes, some warehouses may periodically reassign items to storage areas and recompute their storage quantities. These reassignment activities account for additional costs in the warehouse. The second focus of this research examines these costs over several time periods in a simple multi-tier inventory system. We develop heuristics to determine the storage areas to which to assign items and the quantities in which to store them in each time period, in order to minimize the total cost of picking items, restocking storage locations, and reassigning skus over multiple periods.

Thesis (M.Tech.: Food Technology)-Dept. of Biotechnology, Durban University of Technology, 2007 xv, 122 leaves / Several herbs are well known for their nutritional applications. The reported study tested some herbs for their efficacy as antioxidants. The herbs and combinations thereof were analyzed for antioxidant activity using two comparative methods: the beta-carotene bleaching method and through measurement by the Rancimat apparatus. The efficacy of the antioxidants was also tested in a cosmetic base cream. The concentration of the natural antioxidant vitamins, such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta-carotene was determined by analytical methods. The methods used for analysis provided adequate results for interpretation. All herbs exhibited antioxidant activity, at comparable levels. The two methods used for analysis showed variable results, as previous researchers have shown. In terms of antioxidant potency, the herbs were ranked as follows: fenugreek > coriander > oregano > sage (beta-carotene bleaching method), oregano > sage > coriander > fenugreek (Rancimat method). Oregano and sage were good synergists, when combinations of herbs were used. Fenugreek, unlike the other herbs under investigation, is a prooxidant when used at higher concentrations. A direct relationship was observed between the concentration of herbs and antioxidant potency for sage, oregano and coriander. Fenugreek which is prooxidant at higher concentrations, should be used as an antioxidant independently rather than a synergist. This was the most important finding in the reported study. Similar antioxidant activities of the herbs were observed in the base cosmetic formulation. The reported study has provided an adequate base for further quantitative research into the innovative topic of antioxidants.

For a drug to have a therapeutic effect, it has to reach its site of action in sufficient quantities. The Pheroid drug delivery system enhances the absorption of drugs in various pharmacological categories and is the focus of this study. A number of patents are registered in various countries to protect its application. Pheroid technology is trademarked, but may for ease of reading, be called Pheroid(s) only. The Pheroid itself is composed of an organic carbon backbone composed of unsaturated fatty acids with some side-chain interactions that result in self-emulsifying characteristics. The resulting vesicles and nano-sponges can entrap hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic compounds for biomedical and agricultural application and can be manipulated as to loading ability, mechanical resistance, permeability, size and solubility. Pheroid was investigated for its potential use in the areas of vaccines, peptide drugs, topical products and cosmeceuticals, antimicrobial treatments and agriculture. In all of these areas, the Pheroid has indeed shown applicability: the results showed improved uptake and/or efficacy of the entrapped chemical or biological compounds after administration by a number of administration routes. For oral administration, a precursor format, the pro-Pheroid, was used, wherein the vesicles and/or sponges are formed post-administration. Proof of concept studies on the in vivo absorption and bioavailability, as well as studies on in vitro efficacy of Pheroid-based formulations were carried out for antimicrobials, such as tuberculosis drugs, antimalarials and antiretrovirals. In all cases, the in vitro efficacy of the active compounds was increased, compared to well-known standard drug treatments. In a phase I bio-equivalence study, a Pheroid-containing combination formulation was compared against the comparative market leader. The results demonstrated that the bioavailability of the active compounds in the Pheroid was at least as good but mostly significantly better than that of the comparative medication. In addition, the incidence of side-effects was decreased in the case of the Pheroid formulations. Furthermore, in vitro results indicate that drug resistance can at least partially be negated. Pheroid technology may also be capable of protecting labile drugs such as peptides against degradation and increasing efficacy so that lower dosages can be administered less frequently and with fewer side effects. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, a number of products are currently in development. The application of Pheroid technology is potentially limitless and includes such areas as TB, malaria, cancer, AIDS, gene delivery, vaccines, patented medicines and generics and agriculture. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.

For a drug to have a therapeutic effect, it has to reach its site of action in sufficient quantities. The Pheroid drug delivery system enhances the absorption of drugs in various pharmacological categories and is the focus of this study. A number of patents are registered in various countries to protect its application. Pheroid technology is trademarked, but may for ease of reading, be called Pheroid(s) only. The Pheroid itself is composed of an organic carbon backbone composed of unsaturated fatty acids with some side-chain interactions that result in self-emulsifying characteristics. The resulting vesicles and nano-sponges can entrap hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic compounds for biomedical and agricultural application and can be manipulated as to loading ability, mechanical resistance, permeability, size and solubility. Pheroid was investigated for its potential use in the areas of vaccines, peptide drugs, topical products and cosmeceuticals, antimicrobial treatments and agriculture. In all of these areas, the Pheroid has indeed shown applicability: the results showed improved uptake and/or efficacy of the entrapped chemical or biological compounds after administration by a number of administration routes. For oral administration, a precursor format, the pro-Pheroid, was used, wherein the vesicles and/or sponges are formed post-administration. Proof of concept studies on the in vivo absorption and bioavailability, as well as studies on in vitro efficacy of Pheroid-based formulations were carried out for antimicrobials, such as tuberculosis drugs, antimalarials and antiretrovirals. In all cases, the in vitro efficacy of the active compounds was increased, compared to well-known standard drug treatments. In a phase I bio-equivalence study, a Pheroid-containing combination formulation was compared against the comparative market leader. The results demonstrated that the bioavailability of the active compounds in the Pheroid was at least as good but mostly significantly better than that of the comparative medication. In addition, the incidence of side-effects was decreased in the case of the Pheroid formulations. Furthermore, in vitro results indicate that drug resistance can at least partially be negated. Pheroid technology may also be capable of protecting labile drugs such as peptides against degradation and increasing efficacy so that lower dosages can be administered less frequently and with fewer side effects. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, a number of products are currently in development. The application of Pheroid technology is potentially limitless and includes such areas as TB, malaria, cancer, AIDS, gene delivery, vaccines, patented medicines and generics and agriculture. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pharmaceutics))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2010.