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Nanoparticles do not penetrate human skin--a theoretical perspective.
Adam C Watkinson1, Annette L Bunge, Jonathan Hadgraft
1Storith Consulting Ltd., 9 High Street, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 8QT, UK.
Pharmaceutical Research
|June 1, 2013
Summary
Intact nanoparticles (NP) are too large to penetrate healthy human skin via passive diffusion. While NP components may dissolve, this does not indicate whole NP transport through the skin barrier.
Area of Science:
- Dermal drug delivery
- Nanotechnology
- Skin penetration
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NP) are utilized in pharmaceutical and personal care products, raising questions about their dermal penetration.
- Concerns exist regarding potential health implications of NP dermal exposure, especially from sunblock formulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To theoretically assess the feasibility of intact nanoparticle penetration through healthy human skin.
- To evaluate the potential for NP to permeate the skin barrier.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a theoretical approach to model skin penetration.
- Calculated maximum nanoparticle flux using established algorithms for molecular passive diffusion.
Main Results:
- Results indicate that nanoparticles are too large to permeate skin via passive diffusion.
- Dissolution of NP components in the skin does not equate to intact NP transport.
Conclusions:
- Intact nanoparticles cannot penetrate healthy human skin through passive diffusion.
- NP formulations may play a role in drug permeation enhancement, but not through intact NP penetration.
