Nanocapsules for drug delivery through the skin barrier by tissue-tolerable plasma

Abstract

For many years, several attempts have been made to enhance skin penetration by chemical, physical or mechanical manipulation to reduce the barrier function of the skin. The present study demonstrates the possibility of penetration enhancement for 400 nm sized nanocapsules loaded with a model drug consisting of a fluorescent dye by the application of tissue-tolerable plasma (TTP). Therefore, the stability of the nanocapsules and their penetration through the skin barrier prior to and in combination with TTP application was evaluated. The results revealed that the penetration of the nanocapsules could be effectively enhanced when applied in combination with TTP, hence delivering the model drug unaffected by plasma into deeper skin layers. The stability testing showed no significant structural changes of the nanocapsules after contact with TTP. Thus, the present study introduces a new strategy for the penetration enhancement of substances by the combined utilization of nanocapsules and TTP.

In vivo skin treatment with tissue‐tolerable plasma influences skin physiology and antioxidant profile in human stratum corneum

“…1). The decrease in SC hydration especially in the upper part is in agreement with the findings of Lademann et al, (8,12) stating that the thermal damage after plasma treatment is located only in the upper layers of the corneocytes in the skin barrier. These substances penetrate highly efficiently through the skin barrier, reaching the epidermis and dermis.…”

“…The thermal damage of the skin could be detected only in the first upper layers of corneocytes in the stratum corneum (SC), but not in the epidermis (8). In principle, three different effects could be responsible, acting separately or in combination inducing a highly efficient disinfection: the primary effect is the increase in temperature of the plasma-tissue interaction zone.…”

Cold Physical Plasmas in the Field of Hygiene—Relevance, Significance, and Future Applications

“…This may be compensated by the concomitant use of antiseptics that confer retentive antibacterial properties . To further enhance skin or wound treatment, plasma may be used to selectively increase the penetration of drugs or drug‐coated nanocapsules into the tissue.…”

Applications of Dielectric Barrier Discharge Microplasma

“…In the field of transdermal drug delivery and cosmetics, microplasma can change the surface properties of the skin and increase adsorption of relevant substances that are important for creams, detergents, and other formulations applied on the skin surface [12][13][14][15]. Moreover, changes in the lipid barrier of the skin induced by microplasma can make it easier to incorporate molecules in the skin or through the skin.…”