Triggered release of model drug from AuNP-doped BSA nanocarriers in hair follicles using IRA radiation

The study demonstrated the photo-activated release of the model drug fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) from gold nanoparticle-doped bovine serum albumin (AuNP-doped BSA) particles using water-filtered infrared A (IRA) radiation in hair follicles of an ex vivo porcine skin model. The IRA radiation caused plasmonic heating of the AuNPs, leading to the partial decomposition of the albumin particles and subsequent drug release. Control particles without AuNPs showed insignificant release. This method showed potential for targeted drug delivery in follicular structures, although the risk of skin damage from repeated high infrared dosages was noted. Future research should explore the use of lower infrared dosages for repeated therapeutic applications.