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Cream formulation impact on topical administration of engineered colloidal nanoparticles
Benedetta Santini1, Ivan Zanoni2, Roberta Marzi1
1NanoBioLab, Dipartimento di Biotecnologie e Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
Plos One
|May 12, 2015
Summary
Topical magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) in a cream formulation enhance skin penetration for targeted drug delivery, unlike traditional suspensions. This novel approach improves therapeutic efficacy by controlling nanoparticle distribution within dermal layers.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Transdermal drug delivery is crucial for minimizing systemic toxicity in treating inflammatory conditions.
- Nanoparticle intravenous delivery is established, but transdermal penetration remains poorly understood.
- Efficient topical delivery requires overcoming skin barrier challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate amphiphilic polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles (PMNPs) in a cream formulation for enhanced skin penetration.
- To compare the transdermal delivery efficiency of PMNPs in a cream versus a colloidal suspension.
- To investigate the skin penetration pathways and cellular uptake of PMNPs.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of magnetic (iron oxide) nanoparticles (MNPs) coated with an amphiphilic polymer.
- Development of a water-in-oil emulsion (cream) formulation for topical administration.
- Comparison of skin penetration using Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry in mice.
- Evaluation of nanoparticle distribution and cellular uptake in dermal tissues.
Main Results:
- The PMNP cream formulation demonstrated efficient penetration through all skin layers with controllable kinetics.
- Both follicular and transcellular (intracellular and intercellular) pathways were utilized for PMNP skin penetration.
- Cream formulation favored nanoparticle uptake by various dermal cell types and maintained dermal architecture, unlike suspensions which led to lymph node migration.
Conclusions:
- Combining amphiphilic nanoparticle properties with a cream formulation significantly enhances intradermal penetration.
- The cream formulation improves nanoparticle retention in the dermis, reducing systemic distribution and enhancing local therapeutic potential.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for targeted topical drug delivery via enhanced nanoparticle skin penetration.
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