Limitations and Opportunities in Topical Drug Delivery: Interaction Between Silica Nanoparticles and Skin Barrier

The first limiting barrier for the transport in the skin is the stratum corneum; different strategies have been developed to overcome this barrier, including chemical enhancers. However, these penetration enhancers have limitations, including toxic adverse effects. In this context, research into nanomaterials has provided new tools to increase the residence time of drugs by generating a reservoir, increasing the specificity of drugs and reducing their adverse effects, and improving the penetration of drugs that are difficult to formulate. Silica nanoparticles have been proposed as suitable nanocarriers for skin delivery. Unfortunately, the mechanisms involved in the interaction, transport and fate of silica nanoparticles in the skin have not been fully investigated. This paper reviews significant findings about the interaction between silica-based nanocarriers and the skin. First, this review focuses on the properties and functions of the skin, the skin penetration properties of silica nanoparticles, their synthesis strategies and their toxicity. Finally, advances and evidence on the application of silica nanocarriers in skin drug delivery are provided, in which the use of nanoparticles increases the stability and solubility of the bioactive compound, enhancing its performance, act as penetrator enhancer and improving controlled release. Thus, improving the treatment of some skin disorders.