Revolutionizing Psoriasis Therapy: Cutting-Edge Nanocarrier Systems, Formulation Strategies, and Future Horizons

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease characterized by hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and excessive inflammation, resulting in erythema, scaling, and thickening of the epidermis. Traditional topical and systemic therapies are limited by inadequate skin penetration, systemic toxicity, and poor drug bioavailability. Over the past decade, nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs), and ethosomes, have emerged as promising approaches to overcome these challenges. These nanocarriers enhance drug stability, prolong release, and enable targeted delivery to psoriatic lesions, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing side effects. This review highlights recent progress in nanocarrier-based formulations for treating psoriasis, with emphasis on their mechanistic advantages, formulation strategies, and therapeutic outcomes. Liposomes and ethosomes promote drug permeation across the skin, whereas SLNs and PNPs offer improved drug retention and controlled release. Recent studies demonstrate that nanocarriers can efficiently encapsulate corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and anti-inflammatory agents, leading to better clinical results. Despite these advancements, challenges, such as low drug-loading capacity, stability issues, and difficulties in large-scale production, remain. Future research should focus on stimulus-responsive nanocarriers, surface-functionalized delivery systems, and AI-based optimization to advance precision medicine strategies. With ongoing innovation, nanotechnology holds significant potential to transform psoriasis management by enabling safer, more effective, and patient-friendly treatments.