Potential enhancement and targeting strategies of polymeric and lipid-based nanocarriers in dermal drug delivery

Abstract

Nanocarriers used for alternative drug-delivery strategies have gained interest due to improved penetration and delivery of drugs into specific regions of the skin in recent years. Dermal drug delivery via polymeric-based nanocarriers (polymeric nanoparticles, micelles, dendrimers) and lipid-based nanocarriers (solid-lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers, vesicular nanocarriers including liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes and ethosomes) has been widely investigated. Although penetration of nanocarriers through the intact skin could be restricted, these carriers are particularly considered as feasible for the treatment of dermatological diseases in which the skin barrier is disrupted and also for follicular delivery of drugs for management of skin disorders such as acne. This review mainly highlights the recent approaches on potential penetration enhancement and targeting mechanisms of these nanocarriers.

Keywords: dermal drug delivery; enhanced skin penetration; follicular targeting; lipid nanocarriers; polymeric nanocarriers.