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Engineering Multi-Scale Transdermal Delivery Systems for Atopic Dermatitis: Emerging Insights from the Gut-Skin Axis
Chi Teng1, Miao He2, Yufang Tang2
1School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 211198, People's Republic of China.
International Journal of Nanomedicine
|July 20, 2026
Summary
This review explores multi-scale transdermal delivery for atopic dermatitis (AD), focusing on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It highlights potential gut-skin axis regulation for improved immune balance and barrier repair in AD treatment.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology and Immunology
- Pharmacology and Drug Delivery
- Integrative Medicine
Background:
- Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition with limited treatment options.
- The gut-skin axis is a crucial network influencing intestinal homeostasis and skin health, implicated in AD development.
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers potential therapeutic components for AD, but effective delivery remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances in multi-scale transdermal delivery strategies for atopic dermatitis (AD).
- To emphasize the role of TCM active components delivered via multi-scale systems in immune balance and barrier repair.
- To propose a conceptual framework for integrating advanced transdermal technologies with gut-skin axis regulation for AD treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of multi-scale transdermal delivery strategies for AD.
- Analysis of the role of the gut-skin axis in AD pathogenesis and treatment.
- Exploration of TCM-derived bioactive compounds and modern delivery technologies.
Main Results:
- Multi-scale transdermal delivery systems show promise for regulating the skin barrier and improving bioavailability of active components.
- TCM components delivered via these systems may offer benefits for immune balance and barrier repair in AD.
- Current evidence directly linking multi-scale transdermal systems with gut-skin axis regulation in AD is limited.
Conclusions:
- Advanced multi-scale transdermal delivery systems, particularly those utilizing TCM, present a promising avenue for AD treatment.
- Further mechanistic and experimental validation is needed to establish a clear link between these systems and gut-skin axis regulation.
- Integration of modern delivery technologies with TCM holds potential for novel therapeutic strategies for AD.
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