Polymeric nanoparticles‐based topical delivery systems for the treatment of dermatological diseases

Abstract

Human skin not only functions as a permeation barrier (mainly due to the stratum corneum layer), but also provides a unique delivery pathway for therapeutic and other active agents. These compounds penetrate via intercellular, intracellular and transappendageal routes, resulting in topical delivery (into skin strata) and transdermal delivery (to subcutaneous tissues and into the systemic circulation). Passive and active permeation enhancement methods have been widely applied to increase the cutaneous penetration. The pathology, pathogenesis and topical treatment approaches of dermatological diseases, such as psoriasis, contact dermatitis, and skin cancer, are then discussed. Recent literature has demonstrated that nanoparticles-based topical delivery systems can be successful in treating these skin conditions. The studies are reviewed starting with the nanoparticles based on natural polymers specially chitosan, followed by those made of synthetic, degradable (aliphatic polyesters) and non-degradable (polyarylates) polymers; emphasis is given to nanospheres made of polymers derived from naturally occurring metabolites, the tyrosine-derived nanospheres (TyroSpheres™). In summary, the nanoparticles-based topical delivery systems combine the advantages of both the nano-sized drug carriers and the topical approach, and are promising for the treatment of skin diseases. For the perspectives, the penetration of ultra-small nanoparticles (size smaller than 40 nm) into skin strata, the targeted delivery of the encapsulated drugs to hair follicle stem cells, and the combination of nanoparticles and microneedle array technologies for special applications such as vaccine delivery are discussed.

Nanoparticles: A Promising Drug Delivery Approach

“…The protective function of the skin is attributed to the epidermal stratum corneum layer. This layer also regulates the transport of compounds into the skin [67]. The nanoparticles act as a reservoir of lipophilic drugs and deliver them to the stratum corneum.…”

Novel lecithin-integrated liquid crystalline nanogels for enhanced cutaneous targeting of terconazole: development, in vitro and in vivo studies

“…50 Then the gel preparations were applied uniformly on the membrane at an amount equivalent to 2 mg of drug. A 2 mL of aliquot was periodically withdrawn at suitable time intervals (2,4,6,8,10,12, and 24 h) from the sampling arm of the receptor chamber and was replaced immediately with fresh release medium. All samples -in triplicates -were filtered through a 0.45 μm pore size Teflon membrane filter and analyzed by a validated HPLC method at 227 nm after appropriate dilutions against blank solution prepared under the same experimental conditions.…”

“…In addition, cutaneous candidiasis caused by Candida species became the most prevalent superficial mycosis affecting most of human beings, 4 particularly immuno-compromised ones. 5,6 Treatment of Candidal infections is still challenging and is restricted to a small number of antifungal drugs, mainly azole derivatives. [6][7][8] However, their application is usually limited due to increase in the incidence of azole resistance 9 and other toxicity issues.…”

“…5,6 Treatment of Candidal infections is still challenging and is restricted to a small number of antifungal drugs, mainly azole derivatives. [6][7][8] However, their application is usually limited due to increase in the incidence of azole resistance 9 and other toxicity issues. 7,10 Moreover, many newer antifungal agents have limitations in terms of their spectrum of activity, pharmacokinetics, and drug-drug interactions besides their uncommon toxicities related to their long-term use.…”

Tacrolimus nanoparticles based on chitosan combined with nicotinamide: enhancing percutaneous delivery and treatment efficacy for atopic dermatitis and reducing dose

“…35 It has been widely applied to construct NPs and applied for topical skin delivery. 36 Compared to the neutral or negatively charged NPs, CS-NPs with positive charges from amino groups (NH 3+ ) of CS can bind to the epithelial cell membrane, depolymerize F-actin, and disband the tightjunction protein ZO-1, resulting in opening of tight junctions in the skin and enhancing the percutaneous permeation of the drug. 37 Furthermore, CS works as an antibacterial agent through interaction with negatively charged surface components of numerous bacteria, and derives additional wound-healing benefits when it is used as a vehicle of skin pharmaceuticals.…”