Nanoparticles in dermatology

Abstract

Recent advances in the field of nanotechnology have allowed the manufacturing of elaborated nanometer-sized particles for various biomedical applications. A broad spectrum of particles, extending from various lipid nanostructures such as liposomes and solid lipid nanoparticles, to metal, nanocrystalline and polymer particles have already been tested as drug delivery systems in different animal models with remarkable results, promising an extensive commercialization in the coming years. Controlled drug release to skin and skin appendages, targeting of hair follicle-specific cell populations, transcutaneous vaccination and transdermal gene therapy are only a few of these new applications. Carrier systems of the new generation take advantage of improved skin penetration properties, depot effect with sustained drug release and of surface functionalization (e.g., the binding to specific ligands) allowing specific cellular and subcellular targeting. Drug delivery to skin by means of microparticles and nanocarriers could revolutionize the treatment of several skin disorders. However, the toxicological and environmental safety of micro- and nanoparticles has to be evaluated using specific toxicological studies prior to a wider implementation of the new technology. This review aims to give an overview of the most investigated applications of transcutaneously applied particle-based formulations in the fields of cosmetics and dermatology.

Between the Bioactive Extracts of Edible Mushrooms and Pharmacologically Important Nanoparticles: Need for the Investigation of a Synergistic Combination - A Mini Review

“…Such propensity of nanoparticles biodistribution gives the opportunity to efficiently deliver drugs to the target cells without adverse effect to the surrounding healthy cells and tissues. The effectiveness of the biodistribution of drugs through the nanopathway could be of importance in the chemotherapeutic treatment of organs laden with MPS-localized tumors such as hepatocarcinoma and hepatic metastasis hepatic metastasis originating from digestive tract, bronchopulmonary tumors, gynecological cancers, primitive tumors and metastasis, myeloma, small cell tumors, and leukemia [56,57].…”

“…The delivery systems of this new generation carrier take the advantages of an enhanced skin penetration potentials, surface functionalization, and depot effect with sustained drug release, thereby allowing targeting of specific cells. The treatment of various types of skin diseases could be revolutionized through the use of nanomaterials as the delivery systems [57].…”

Polymeric Nanoparticles in Dermocosmetic

“…Dermocosmetic based polymeric nanoparticles provide broad opportunities for preventing aging and skin care, as well as for dermatological affections such as psoriasis, acne, eczema, skin mycosis, and inflammations (Papakostas et al, 2011).…”

Triggering of drug release of particles in hair follicles

“…Although, a transfollicular penetration of particles could be observed when the skin barrier was strongly disrupted [9], several other studies demonstrated that particles of this dimension do not pass the intact barrier of the hair follicles [5,15,16], Therefore, loading of the particles with a drug represents an efficient opportunity to transport the drug into the hair follicles provided that, after reaching the specific depth within the hair follicles, the drug is released from the particles to penetrate independently through the intact barrier of the hair follicles, as shown previously [17].…”