Polymeric nano (and micro) particles as carriers for enhanced skin penetration

Abstract

Advances in drug formulation engineering and the development of nanotechnology for drug delivery applications have recently attracted a major attention. The use of polymeric nanoparticles for the application of local and systemic drugs to the skin is one of the important applications of nanotechnology in the pharmaceutical field. The skin provides a natural protective barrier against particle penetration, but there are several reports about the accumulation in hair follicles and interaction with diseased skin. The following chapter will consider the possible potential of using micro- and nanoparticles for dermal and transdermal drug delivery. Their ability to enhance transdermal drug permeation will be discussed, and an improved understanding of their interaction with the skin will also be addressed.