Follicular penetration of nanocarriers is an important penetration pathway for topically applied drugs

Abstract

The hair follicle represents asignificant penetration route for topically applied substances. The percutaneous absorption of substances can be significantly increased and accelerated by the involvement of hair follicles. In addition, nanoparticles have the characteristic to penetrate deeply and effectively into the hair follicles. An optimization of drug delivery for topically applied substances is possible if the nanoparticles act solely as acarrier to transport active ingredients into the hair follicle. Once the nanocarrier has penetrated into the hair follicle, the active substance must be released there. This can be triggered by various mechanisms. The released drug can thus pass into the living tissue surrounding the hair follicle independently. With the help of this innovative strategy, the bioavailability of topically applied substances can be significantly improved. The transport of active ingredients into the hair follicles with the help of particles and the release of active substances there is avery effective new method for transporting active substances through the skin barrier.