Nanoparticle-Enabled Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems for Enhanced Dose Control and Tissue Targeting
www.mdpi.com
April 12, 2022, 10:03 a.m.
Topically applied nanoparticles can penetrate the skin in one of three different ways: (1) through the appendageal route, (2) through the intracellular route, or (3) through the intercellular route. The appendageal route involves nanoparticles entering hair follicles, sweat glands, or skin furrows for either penetration to the dermis or retention for increased drug release. The intracellular route involves a direct path through the cell membrane of multiple layers of the epidermis. The intercellular route involves a more tortuous path between epidermal cells. The pathway taken likely depends on the nanoparticle size, charge, morphology, and material.