Photoprotection in the era of nanotechnology

Abstract

Nanotechnology is burgeoning in the life sciences, chiefly in dermatology. It combines discoveries in a variety of disciplines such as materials science, chemistry, and engineering to allow the modification or manufacture of topical and systemic agents, a record number of which have been patented for the benefit of the skin. Natural selection has balanced the need for photoprotection for prevention of skin cancer and preservation of folic acid with the need to synthesize vitamin D3. Artificial photoprotection methods have ranged from shade, fabrics, and accidental nanomaterials such as ultrafine clays to modern methods of creating nanoparticles for topical or systemic delivery to spinning nanomaterials in textiles. These agents are being developed at an accelerated rate and possess a number of properties which make them superior to their traditional counterparts. This review discusses photoprotection in an historical context and surveys some of the avenues of research and development which incorporate nanotechnology.