Due to the current limitations in delivering essential therapeutics, conventional drug administration (pills, injections) often leads to excess drugs circulating in the body, contributing to hazardous waste deposited in the environment and side effects occurring in non-targeted sites in the body. For example, in the case of cystic acne transdermal medication (creams, gels) cannot cross through the complex layers of the skin well. On the other hand, encapsulated hormonal treatment, antibiotics and retinoids also fail to reach the capillaries of the deeper skin layer effectively.
The aim of this project is to explore the possibilities of creating a complex, transdermal drug-delivery system that is capable of local and controlled deposition of isotretinoin (retinoid) through the compound tissue structure of the skin, avoiding the exposure of this drug to the circulation and the digestive system. Coaxially electrospun nanofibers are utilized to ensure prolonged and controlled release of the therapeutic agents: silver nanoparticles (AgNP) are to be loaded into the hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) shell to reduce inflammation and excessive spread of bacteria, while isotretinoin-loaded silica nanoparticles (SiNP) are integrated into the amphiphilic chitosan (CS) core (Figure 1) to shrink sebaceous glands and decrease pus production.
This technology would propose a safer topical drug-delivery method for cystic acne treatment, while also contributing to the prevention of excess drugs circulating in the body, and to the decrease of waste and side effects. Respectively leading to antibiotic less overuse, slowing antibiotic resistance development and minimizing excess pharmaceuticals in biological systems.