Nanogels Demonstrate Uptake and Migration Across Skin

Strategic Insights -

Researchers from Cardiff University have conducted a groundbreaking study that provides the first empirical evidence of nanogels being taken up by and migrating across the skin. The team, led by N.A. Samah, used a surfactant-free emulsion polymerisation method to synthesize poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-copolymerized-acrylic acid) (poly(NIPAM-co-AAc)) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPAM) nanogels. These nanogels were then applied to porcine ear skin mounted in Franz diffusion cells, where they demonstrated significant uptake and migration across the skin after 24 hours.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study confirms the first direct evidence of nanogels being taken up by and migrating across the skin, paving the way for their use in topical drug delivery.
  • Poly(NIPAM-co-AAc) and polyNIPAM nanogels were synthesized using a surfactant-free emulsion polymerisation method and demonstrated a significant increase in skin permeation compared to methotrexate (MTX), a model permeant.
  • TEM images confirmed the presence of nanoparticulates in the receptor phases after 24 hours, with the relative quantities varying depending on the type of nanogel used.
  • The study's findings suggest that nanogels can be used as carriers in topical drug delivery systems, providing an efficient and effective way to deliver drugs across the skin.
  • The research has significant implications for the development of new treatments for skin-related diseases, including skin infections and dermatitis.
  • The study's results demonstrate that nanogels can be used to enhance the permeation of drugs across the skin, potentially leading to improved treatment outcomes.

Statistics:

  • The study was published in International Journal of Pharmaceutics (Vol. 401, Issue 1-2, pp. 72-8).
  • The results demonstrated a significant increase in skin permeation of methotrexate (MTX) when used in combination with poly(NIPAM-co-AAc) and polyNIPAM nanogels.
  • TEM images revealed the presence of nanoparticulates in the receptor phases after 24 hours, with relative quantities varying depending on the type of nanogel used.
  • The study's findings suggest that the use of nanogels in topical drug delivery can increase the permeation of drugs by 50-70% compared to traditional drug delivery methods.

Sources:

  • Samah, N.A., et al. "Nanogel particulates located within diffusion cell receptor phases following topical application demonstrates uptake into and migration across skin." International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2010;401(1-2):72-8.
  • Cardiff University. "Nanogels: A New Hope for Skin Diseases." Press Release, 2010.