Safety of nanoparticle skin penetration

Abstract

This review shows the skin is an important route of exposure to nanomaterials after occupational, environmental, and consumer product usage. The primary barrier to chemical and nanomaterial absorption is the rate-limiting stratum corneum layers and its lipid matrix. Nanoparticles of different size, shape, charge, surface properties, and vehicle as well as animal species are important determinants for nanoparticle penetration. However, there are many challenges that must be overcome before we can apply nanotechnology to the field of nanomedicine and prior to conducting science-based occupational or environmental exposure risk assessments. Insufficient data and no long-term studies have been conducted to allow for full interpretation or thorough understanding of the toxicological implications of nanomaterial exposure.