Framework Nucleic Acids: A Paradigm Shift in Transdermal Drug Delivery.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) offers an alternative administration route, avoiding first-pass metabolism in the liver and gastrointestinal tract.
• Current topical nanocarriers for TDD primarily utilize polymeric or lipid-based structures.
• Framework nucleic acids (FNAs) present a novel class of nanocarriers with recently demonstrated size-dependent skin penetration capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the emerging role of nucleic acids as drug carriers, shifting from their traditional cargo function.
• To discuss the potential of framework nucleic acids (FNAs) for advancing transdermal drug delivery (TDD) applications.
• To explore future research directions for optimizing FNAs in TDD.

Main Methods:

• Review and commentary on existing literature regarding framework nucleic acids (FNAs) and transdermal drug delivery (TDD).
• Analysis of FNA properties, specifically size-dependent skin penetration.
• Discussion of FNA efficacy in delivering therapeutic agents, exemplified by doxorubicin for skin melanoma.

Main Results:

• Framework nucleic acids (FNAs) exhibit size-dependent skin penetration, a key attribute for effective transdermal drug delivery.
• FNAs have shown efficacy in delivering doxorubicin for the treatment of skin melanoma.
• A paradigm shift is occurring, with nucleic acids now being considered as drug carriers themselves, not just cargo.

Conclusions:

• Framework nucleic acids (FNAs) represent a promising new platform for transdermal drug delivery (TDD), offering advantages over traditional nanocarriers.
• The unique properties of FNAs warrant further investigation to fully exploit their potential in topical drug delivery systems.
• Continued research into FNA development and application is crucial for advancing TDD therapies, particularly for skin conditions like melanoma.