Application of Inorganic Nanomaterials in Transdermal and Topical Medications: Influential Parameters, Opportunities and Challenges

Abstract

ABSTRACT Recent advances in nanotechnology are expected to assist scientists in solving many key obstacles in biological complications. During the last decade, a great deal of research focused on the application of different types of nanoparticles in various areas of medicine, including imaging, diagnosis and therapy. Among various types of nanomaterials, inorganic ones have centered a lot of attention due to their unique physical and chemical characteristics, mechanical stability, decent surface area and size flexibility. Customizable particle size, a variety of morphologies and microporous structure of inorganic nanoparticles allow to deliver drug molecules and pass through biological barriers which make them promising candidates for various biomedical applications. Topical medications are applied through the skin or mucous membranes in order to achieve a local therapeutic effect. There is now a lot of research being done on inorganic nanoparticles and their possible applications in topical and transdermal drug delivery. This review summarizes the transdermal applications of different types of inorganic nanomaterials and discuss the opportunities, challenges and designing aspects of them.