Progress in Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery Research: Focus on Nanoformulations

June 2024 in “ Pharmaceutics ”

Dominique Jasmin Lunter, Victoria Klang, Adina Eichner, Sanela Savić, Snežana Savić, Guoping Lian, Franciska Erdő

topical drug delivery transdermal drug delivery nanoformulations skin morphology skin physiology nanoparticulate formulations drug penetration diffusion chambers skin-on-a-chip devices analytical techniques mathematical modeling nanoparticulated systems

Studysummary This review explores the use of topical and transdermal delivery for drugs and cosmetics, highlighting the benefits of avoiding side effects and rapid metabolism, with a focus on nanoparticulate formulations and techniques for studying skin penetration.

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

The document reviews advancements in topical and transdermal drug delivery systems, focusing on nanoformulations. It highlights the potential of nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery efficiency, skin penetration, and therapeutic efficacy for conditions like alopecia, psoriasis, and dermatitis. Notable developments include minoxidil-loaded nanoparticles for hair regrowth and β-sitosterol-loaded cubosomes with microneedles for treating alopecia. These innovations aim to improve drug stability, reduce side effects, and optimize treatment outcomes by targeting specific skin conditions. Despite significant progress, challenges remain in formulating safe and effective nanoparticle-based delivery systems due to skin barrier properties and variability.

View this study on mdpi.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

9 / 9 results

research ISX9 Loaded Thermoresponsive Nanoparticles for Hair Follicle Regrowth

November 2023 in “Materials Today Bio”

In this study, researchers developed a novel temperature-sensitive biopolymer-based drug delivery system that enhanced the transdermal delivery of ISX9, a neurogenesis inducer, resulting in more effective hair follicle regrowth and signal pathway activation in vivo compared to traditional topical application.

Follicle-Targeted Delivery of Betamethasone and Minoxidil Co-Entrapped in Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Alopecia Areata Treatment

research Follicle-Targeted Delivery of Betamethasone and Minoxidil Co-Entrapped in Polymeric and Lipid Nanoparticles for Topical Alopecia Areata Treatment

September 2023 in “Pharmaceuticals”

This study found that nanoparticles containing minoxidil and betamethasone improved drug delivery to hair follicles, with lipidic nanoparticles significantly enhancing minoxidil and betamethasone penetration compared to control, making them a promising option for alopecia areata treatment with reduced side effects.

research Fabrication of Composite Pastes with Minoxidil-Loaded Nanoparticles and Valproic Acid for Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment

1 citations , July 2023 in “International Journal of Biological Macromolecules”

In this study, researchers developed a composite paste system using minoxidil-loaded nanoparticles and valproic acid, enhanced by roller-microneedles, which significantly stimulated hair regeneration and perifollicular vascularization in an androgenetic alopecia mouse model, reducing side effects compared to traditional treatments.

Selective Delivery of Tofacitinib Citrate to Hair Follicles Using Lipid-Coated Calcium Carbonate Nanocarriers Controls Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Areata

research Selective Delivery of Tofacitinib Citrate to Hair Follicles Using Lipid-Coated Calcium Carbonate Nanocarriers Controls Chemotherapy-Induced Alopecia Areata

3 citations , May 2023 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

In this study, researchers observed that phospholipid-calcium carbonate hybrid nanoparticles effectively delivered Tofacitinib citrate topically, which significantly inhibited hair follicle apoptosis and promoted hair growth in a mouse model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia, compared to a traditional Tofacitinib solution.

research Tolerability, Acceptability, and Reproducibility of Topical STAR Particles in Human Subjects

5 citations , April 2023 in “Bioengineering & Translational Medicine”

This study found that STAR particles, when applied to human skin, were well tolerated and highly acceptable at various pressures and with repeated daily use, suggesting they may provide a safe and effective method for enhancing drug delivery through the skin.

research Enhanced Skin Permeation and Controlled Release of Beta-Sitosterol Using Cubosomes Encrusted with Dissolving Microneedles for the Management of Alopecia

5 citations , April 2023 in “Pharmaceuticals”

This study found that cubosomes combined with dissolving microneedles enhanced transdermal penetration and hair growth efficacy of beta-sitosterol for treating alopecia.

research Enhancing Permeation of Drug Molecules Across the Skin via Delivery in Nanocarriers: Novel Strategies for Effective Transdermal Applications

365 citations , March 2021 in “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology”

This review discusses the potential of nanocarriers to enhance transdermal drug delivery and the combination of these carriers with physical methods, but it reports no new experimental results.

Development of a Two-Dimensional Model for Predicting Transdermal Permeation with the Follicular Pathway: Demonstration with a Caffeine Study

research Development of a Two-Dimensional Model for Predicting Transdermal Permeation with the Follicular Pathway: Demonstration with a Caffeine Study

35 citations , June 2017 in “Pharmaceutical research”

This study presented a new two-dimensional model that successfully predicts transdermal permeation of caffeine, highlighting the significant role of the follicular pathway in increasing systemic bioavailability.

research The Role of Hair Follicles in the Percutaneous Absorption of Caffeine

182 citations , December 2007 in “BJCP. British journal of clinical pharmacology/British journal of clinical pharmacology”

This study demonstrated that hair follicles significantly expedite the absorption of caffeine through the skin compared to interfollicular pathways.