4 - Biopolymer-based nanocomposites for transdermal drug delivery

Abstract

Nanocomposites for the delivery of biomolecules have been explored in several ways since 2010. The production of nanocomposites employing biopolymers, specifically peptides, proteins, hydrocolloids, alginates, pectin, small interfering RNAs, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, has gained vital research interest. Biopolymers are polymeric materials from biobased or renewable resources and biodegradable in nature. Progress is being made in the prolonged delivery of biopolymers and in the development of particulate delivery systems for alternative routes of administration, such as transdermal route. Transdermal drug delivery system is among the rapidly growing areas of advanced drug delivery research. However, the formidable characteristics of the stratum corneum are of supreme concern that must be resolved for unhesitant delivery of biomolecules through the skin. This chapter expounds the biopolymer-based transdermal delivery systems explored for the development of new medical devices for combating severe skin disorders, which requires localized and enhanced skin penetration to restore normal skin physiology. Another focus of this chapter is to explore the current state of available biopolymers for the development of transdermal therapeutics.