Nanoformulations for vaginal therapy

Abstract

Nanomedicine offers the means to improve the therapy of various disorders, including genital infections, hormone replacement therapy, and vaginal dryness. Although genital infections affect both genders, we focused on the application of nanoformulations in the treatment of vaginal infections and the disorders affecting women. The main emphasis was put on the potential of nanomedicine in localized, rather than systemic therapy. We attempted to provide an unbiased overview of the field and classify the nanocarriers based on their building material such as lipid based, polymer based, and similar. We discussed the characteristics of nanocarriers such as the size, surface properties, and stability, which have a direct impact on their performance at the vaginal site. The challenges the nanocarriers are facing at the site are discussed in more detail. Moreover, we classified the state-of-the-art nanoformulations according to the targeted vaginal diseases and commented on their promises as well as limitations related to the efficacy and toxicity in vivo. We included our opinion on the limitations of the current approaches and selected pipelines. The concerns related to safe treatment in pregnant patients are included.