Paper Key : IRJ************631
Author: Rushikesh Balaso Tembare ,Ms. M. R. Deokar
Date Published: 14 Nov 2024
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional routes of administration, allowing for controlled release of therapeutic agents while bypassing the first-pass metabolism. However, the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the skin, presents a formidable barrier to drug permeation. Nanocarrier systems have emerged as promising solutions to enhance the transdermal delivery of drugs, providing controlled release, improved stability, and targeted delivery to systemic circulation. This abstract reviews various nanocarrier systems developed for TDD, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs), polymeric nanoparticles, and microneedle systems.Liposomes are among the earliest nanocarrier systems explored for transdermal applications. Composed of phospholipid bilayers, liposomes can encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, enhancing their permeability through the skin. Research has demonstrated that liposome formulations, such as those containing encapsulated diclofenac, improve skin penetration and therapeutic efficacy compared to conventional formulations (Kumar et al., 2021). Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) represent advancements in lipid-based delivery systems. SLNs combine the benefits of solid lipid matrices with the ability to encapsulate lipophilic drugs, enhancing stability and reducing drug leakage. NLCs, an evolution of SLNs, incorporate both solid and liquid lipids, allowing for a higher drug loading capacity and improved release profiles. Studies have shown that NLCs can enhance the permeation of drugs like ketoprofen through the skin, demonstrating their potential in TDD (Fang et al., 2020).Polymeric nanoparticles have gained attention for their ability to provide sustained release and controlled drug delivery. Biodegradable polymers, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), can be tailored to achieve desired release kinetics. Research indicates that polymeric nanoparticles loaded with therapeutic agents, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, exhibit improved skin permeation and enhanced therapeutic outcomes in animal models (Bhatia et al., 2022).Microneedle systems represent a novel approach in transdermal drug delivery, allowing for the bypassing of the stratum corneum through minimally invasive techniques. These small, micron-sized needles create microchannels in the skin, facilitating the transport of drugs into the systemic circulation. Microneedle patches can be loaded with various formulations, including vaccines and small molecules, and have demonstrated effective delivery in both preclinical and clinical settings (Liu et al., 2021).In summary, nanocarrier systems for transdermal drug delivery offer significant advantages, research focuses on optimizing these systems to further enhance their performance, biocompatibility, and safety profiles. The integration of nanotechnology in TDD holds the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies, providing effective treatment options for a wide range of medical conditions.