Bioadhesive polymers in transdermal formulations for skin disorders

Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) offer numerous advantages over conventional routes, including improved patient compliance and sustained drug release. Bioadhesive polymers play a crucial role in TDD, enhancing drug retention and controlled release. This review explores the applications of bioadhesive polymers in transdermal formulations for skin disorders, focusing on their adhesion mechanisms, structural modifications, and therapeutic potential. Natural bioadhesives like alginate and chitosan demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties, while synthetic polymers such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) offer controlled drug release and mechanical stability. Despite their advantages, challenges such as adhesion failure, moisture sensitivity, and limited macromolecular drug delivery persist. Recent innovations, including self-healing hydrogels, nanofiber-based transdermal systems, and enzymatic drug carriers, present new opportunities for dermatological applications.