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Review
. 2022;17(2):319-332.
doi: 10.1007/s12247-020-09525-2. Epub 2021 Jan 6.

Transdermal Delivery Systems for Biomolecules

Ma Concepción Peña-Juárez  1 , Omar Rodrigo Guadarrama-Escobar  2 , José Juan Escobar-Chávez  1
Affiliations
Review

Transdermal Delivery Systems for Biomolecules

Ma Concepción Peña-Juárez et al. J Pharm Innov. 2022.

Abstract

Purpose: The present review article focuses on highlighting the main technologies used as tools that improve the delivery of transdermal biomolecules, addressing them from the point of view of research in the development of transdermal systems that use physical and chemical permeation enhancers and nanocarrier systems or a combination of them.

Results: Transdermal drug delivery systems have increased in importance since the late 1970s when their use was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They appeared to be an alternative resource for the administration of many potent drugs. The first transdermal drug delivery system used for biomolecules was for the treatment of hormonal disorders. Biomolecules have been used primarily in many treatments for cancer and diabetes, vaccines, hormonal disorders, and contraception.

Conclusions: The latest technologies that have used such transdermal biomolecule transporters include electrical methods (physical penetration enhancers), some chemical penetration enhancers and nanocarriers. All of them allow the maintenance of the physical and chemical properties of the main proteins and peptides through these clinical treatments, allowing their efficient storage, transport, and release and ensuring the achievement of their target and better results in the treatment of many diseases.

Keywords: Biomolecules; Chemical and physical enhancers; Microneedles; Proteins; Transdermal drug delivery; Transdermal systems.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of InterestThe authors declare no conflict of interest regarding the content and publication of this article.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Cross-sectional scheme of the skin. The main epidermis stratum classification is observed such as the dermis and hypodermis components
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Main routes of protein drug administration
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Mechanisms of action of chemical penetration enhancers
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Schematic representation about the NP release from MNs into the epidermis
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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