Emerging Nanomedicines for the Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis

Abstract

Globally, the prevalence of Atopic dermatitis (AD) is significantly increasing and affecting around 20% of population including children. Complex interactions amongst abnormality in epidermal barrier function, environment, infectious agents and immunological defects are considered as key factors in the pathogenesis of AD. Although the role of oxidative stress has been studied in some skin diseases, investigation of the same in AD is intermittent. Calcineurin inhibitors and/or topical corticosteroids are currently available; however, it causes atrophy of the skin, burning sensation, and systemic side effects which leads to poor patient compliance. These limitations provoke the strong need to develop an innovative approach in managing AD. Nanomaterials for effective drug delivery to skin conditions such as AD have attracted a lot of attention owing to its ability to encapsulate, protect, and release the cargo at the diseased skin site. However, there are lots of unmet challenges especially in terms of development of non-toxic formulations and clinical translation of established nanomedicines in the form of accessible products. Numerous formulations have emerged as carrier for poorly soluble and permeable drugs, viz., lipidic, polymeric, metal, silica, liposomes, hydrocarbon gels and this field is evolving. This review is intended to provide an insight incidences associated with pathophysiology of AD and challenges with existing treatments of AD. Focus is kept on reviewing current development and emerging nanomedicines for effective treatment of AD. The review also inculcates merits of several nanomedicines in overcoming challenges of existing products and its future implications.

Rapidly Dissolving Microneedles for the Delivery of Steroid-Loaded Nanoparticles Intended for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseases

“…Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are beneficial in overwhelming the limitations of conventional dosage forms by enhancing the local drug effect. Nanomedicines allow for achieving controlled drug release and skin targeting by improving retention and drug localization in the skin layers, as well as protection of the drug against chemical or physical changes and, consequently, improve patient compliance by reducing application frequency [ 56 , 58 , 59 ].…”

Emerging topical drug delivery approaches for the treatment of Atopic dermatitis

“…These nanoparticles also improve hydration by forming an occlusive layer on the skin surface which leads to better permeation and retention in the skin layers. Lipids with low melting points, crystalline structure, and smaller particle size are important parameters that are needed to be considered 41 . Thus, NLCs and SLNs provide controlled release, better tolerability, improved bioavailability, downregulate various immune responses, and are also suitable for both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs 30 …”

Polymeric Nanoparticles as Tunable Nanocarriers for Targeted Delivery of Drugs to Skin Tissues for Treatment of Topical Skin Diseases

“…To date, there is no absolute therapy that can completely cure AD; however, certain pharmacological agents are commonly applied to attenuate the severity of symptoms [ 78 ]. Topical corticosteroids are considered as the first line of treatment for moderate-to-severe AD.…”