A complete sojourn on nanotechnological advancements and nanocarrier applications in psoriasis management

Abstract

Psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune and non-communicable skin disease, affects 2-3% of the global population, creating a significant financial burden on healthcare systems worldwide. Treatment approaches are categorized based on disease severity, with first-line therapy focusing on topical treatments and second-line therapy encompassing phototherapy, systemic therapy, and biological therapy. Transdermal drug delivery methods present a promising alternative by enhancing drug absorption through the skin, potentially improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic adverse effects. Among these, microneedles (MNs) emerge as an innovative transdermal delivery device offering controlled and sustained drug release, reduced systemic exposure, and painless, minimally invasive targeted drug delivery, making them highly suitable for managing skin-related immune disorders. Other transdermal techniques, such as sonophoresis, patches, iontophoresis, and electroporation, also play critical roles in psoriasis treatment. Nanotechnological approaches offer transformative solutions to overcome the limitations of traditional formulations by enhancing efficacy, reducing dosing frequency, and minimizing dose-dependent side effects. Various nanocarriers, including liposomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, niosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCNPs), nanoemulsions (NEs), and micelles, demonstrate significant potential to improve drug penetration, targeted distribution, safety, and efficacy. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the advancements in nanotechnological approaches and nanocarrier applications for psoriasis management. It discusses the types, pathophysiology, and history of psoriasis while exploring current treatment strategies, including herbal formulations and nanotechnology-based interventions. The review also evaluates the potential of nanotechnological advancements as innovative therapeutic options, emphasizing their mechanisms, benefits, and clinical applicability in addressing the shortcomings of conventional therapies. Together, these insights highlight nano-formulations as a promising frontier for effective psoriasis management.

Keywords: Chronic skin disease; Microneedles; Nanotechnological approaches; Psoriasis; Transdermal drug delivery; Treatments.