Nanoparticles and the skin--applications and limitations.

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Nanoengineering
• Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Dermatology

Background:

• Nanotechnology has significantly advanced drug delivery systems.
• Non-deformable nanoparticles are increasingly investigated for pharmaceutical applications.
• Understanding nanoparticle interaction with biological barriers like skin is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-deformable nanoparticles used in pharmaceutical drug delivery.
• To analyze the interaction of various nanoparticles with human and porcine skin models (in vitro and in vivo).
• To critically evaluate the disposition and transfer of nanoparticles within the skin.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on nanoparticle-skin interactions.
• Focus on non-deformable nanoparticle types: metal, metallic oxide, polymeric, starch, quantum dot, fullerene, and carbon nanotube.
• Inclusion of studies using in vitro and in vivo human and porcine skin models.

Main Results:

• Detailed examination of nanoparticle disposition and transfer mechanisms within the skin.
• Assessment of how different nanoparticle materials influence skin interaction.
• Critical analysis of the impact of experimental design and methodology on study outcomes.

Conclusions:

• Non-deformable nanoparticles show potential in pharmaceutical drug delivery.
• Skin penetration and disposition vary significantly based on nanoparticle properties and experimental conditions.
• Further research with standardized methodologies is needed to optimize nanoparticle-based skin drug delivery.