Self-Assembled Polymeric Nanocarriers for the Targeted Delivery of Retinoic Acid to the Hair Follicle

January 2015 in “ Nanoscale ”

Maria Lapteva, Michael Möller, Robert Gurny, Yogeshvar N. Kalia

retinoic acid polymeric micelles pilosebaceous unit biodegradable copolymer photoisomerization acne treatment RA PSU

Studysummary In this study, polymeric micelles containing retinoic acid were found to improve targeted delivery to hair follicle structures in human skin more efficiently than a marketed retinoic acid gel, suggesting potentially safer and more effective acne treatment.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

The study aimed to develop polymeric micelles containing retinoic acid (RA) for targeted delivery to the pilosebaceous unit (PSU) to improve acne treatment. Using a biodegradable copolymer, the micelles increased RA's solubility by over 400-fold and protected it from photoisomerization. In vitro experiments showed that these micelles delivered RA to porcine and human skin more efficiently than a marketed RA gel, with significantly higher delivery to PSU samples. The micelle formulation demonstrated a 2-fold higher selectivity for PSU and outperformed the marketed gel in delivery efficiency to PSU in human skin, suggesting a potential for safer and more effective acne treatment.

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