Photonanodermatology: the interface of photobiology, dermatology and nanotechnology

Transmission infrared micro-spectroscopic study of individual human hair

Significance

Understanding the optical transmission property of human hair, especially in the infrared regime, is vital in physical, clinical, and biomedical research. However, the majority of infrared spectroscopy on human hair is performed in the reflection mode, which only probes the absorptance of the surface layer.

Aim

The direct transmission spectrum of individual hair without horizontal cut offers a rapid and non-destructive test of the hair cortex but is less investigated experimentally due to the small size and strong absorption of the hair.

Approach

In this work, we conduct a transmission infrared micro-spectroscopic study on individual human hair with the help of Fourier-transform infrared microscope experimentally. Its high spatial resolution of infrared micro-spectroscopy further allows the comparison among different regions of hair. The geometry effect of the internal hair structure is also quantified using the finite-element simulation, which supports the experimental results.

Results

By utilizing direct measurements of the transmission spectrum using a Fourier-transform infrared microscope, the human hair is found to display prominent band filtering behavior. In a case study of adult-onset Still's disease, the corresponding infrared transmission exhibits systematic variations of spectral weight as the disease evolves.

Conclusions

Our work implies that the variation of spectral weight may relate to the disordered microscopic structure variation of the hair cortex during an inflammatory attack. Our work reveals the potential of hair infrared transmission spectrum in tracing the variation of hair cortex retrospectively.

An ultrasmall PVP-Fe-Cu-Ni-S nano-agent for synergistic cancer therapy through triggering ferroptosis and autophagy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging field where photothermal agents could convert visible or near-infrared (NIR) radiation into heat to kill tumor cells. However, the low photothermal conversion efficiency of photothermal agents and their limited antitumor activities hinder the development of these agents into monotherapies for cancer. Herein, we have fabricated an ultrasmall polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-Fe-Cu-Ni-S (PVP-NP) nano-agent via a simple hot injection method with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (∼96%). Photothermal therapy with this nano-agent effectively inhibits tumor growth without apparent toxic side-effects. Mechanistically, our results demonstrated that, after NIR irradiation, PVP-NPs can induce ROS/singlet oxygen generation, decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, release extracellular Fe2+, and consume glutathione, triggering autophagy and ferroptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, PVP-NPs exhibit excellent contrast enhancement according to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis. In summary, PVP-NPs have a high photothermal conversion efficiency and can be applied for MRI-guided synergistic photothermal/photodynamic/chemodynamic cancer therapy, resolving the bottleneck of existing phototherapeutic agents.

Improved Subcutaneous Delivery of Ketoconazole Using EpiDerm and HSPiP Software-Based Simulations as Assessed by Cell Viability, Cellular Uptake, Permeation, and Hemolysis In Vitro Studies

Ketoconazole (KETO) is the drug of choice to control local, systemic, and resistant types of fungal infections. Subcutaneous (sub-Q) delivery offers several benefits. The present study investigated the sub-Q delivery of KETO using HSPiP software based on optimized concentrations of dimethylacetamide (DMA) in binary solvents (DMA + water), in vitro cellular uptake (J774A.1) assays, cellular toxicity (L929), and in vitro hemolysis studies. Results showed that the estimated permeation coefficient (9.6 × 10^-3 cm/h) and diffusion coefficient (3.9 × 10^-3 cm²/h) of KETO (22.3 mg) in KF3 (300 mg of DMA + water) across EpiDerm were relatively higher as compared to the other formulations [KF1 (11.2 and 150 mg as KETO and DMA, respectively) and KF2 [(22.3 and 300 mg as KETO and DMA, respectively)] due to the increased content of DMA and KETO. HSPiP simulated and predicted the impact of constant and variable diffusion coefficients on the percent drug absorption across EpiDerm and the time needed to achieve equilibrium. The concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient fed into HSPiP predicted that the drug absorption and permeation values were linearly dependent on the square root of time. The HSPiP predicted permeation flux values from KF3, KF2, and KF1 across the EpiDerm were 4.07 × 10^-6, 4.01 × 10^-6, and 1.1 × 10^-6 g/cm²/s, respectively, at respective D range values. The selected K30G (324 mOsm/Kg) showed an optimal pH (6.9) and minimum drug loss (0.01%) over a period of 1 month at room temperature. KG30 was found to be less toxic to normal L292 cells and caused maximum cytotoxicity to candida cells residing within infected macrophage cells (J774A.1 incubated for 24 h), which was attributed to the slow diffusion of K30G compared to DS (the drug solution with an equivalent concentration). KG30 elicited substantial internalization with candida albicans (MTCC 4748) compared to the control group (24 h). Lastly, in vitro hemolysis studies (1 and 5 μg/mL) corroborated the safety of K30G for sub-Q delivery. Therefore, this new formulation and approach for delivering KETO is a promising alternative to conventional products to control fungal infections and, thus, should be further studied in vivo.

Novel Herbal Nanocarriers for Treatment of Dermatological Disorders

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In the present scenario, the use of novel nanocarriers to provide a better therapy regimen is noteworthy. Nanotechnology with the advanced system enables the herbs for encapsulation within the smart carrier and boosts the nanotherapeutic. These emerging innovations of herbal nanocarriers have paved the way for dermal targeting by eliciting the desired response for particular diseases.

METHODS

In this current manuscript, an extensive search is conducted for the original research papers using databases, viz., Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, etc. Furthermore, painstaking efforts are made to compile and update the novel herbal nanocarriers, such as liposomes, ethosomes, transferosomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, nanogels, nanostructured lipid carriers, solid lipid carriers, etc., which are mostly used for the treatment of several skin maladies, viz., eczema, psoriasis, acne, etc. This article highlights the recent findings that the innovators are exclusively working on herbal drug delivery systems for dermal targeting, and these are enumerated in the form of tables.

CONCLUSION

Herbal formulations employing a suitable nanocarrier could be a promising approach for the treatment of several pathological conditions, including skin ailments. Therefore, scientific research is still being carried out in this specific area for a better perspective in herbal drug delivery and targeting.

Nanodermatology-based solutions for psoriasis: State-of-the art and future prospects

Nanodermatology is an emerging, multidisciplinary science, arising from the convergence of nanotechnology, pharmacology, physics/biophysics, chemistry/biochemistry, chemical engineering, material science, and clinical medicine. Nanodermatology deals with (a) skin biology, anatomy, and physiology at the nanoscale ("skin nanobiology"), (b) diagnosis performed by means of novel diagnostic devices, assisted by nanobiotechnologies ("nanodiagnosis"), and (c) treatment through innovative therapeutic agents, including phototherapy ("photonanotherapy"/"photonanodermatology") and systemic/topical drug administration ("nanotherapy") at the nanoscale, and drug delivery-such as transdermal or dermal drug delivery (TDDD/DDD)-enhanced and improved by nanostructures and nanodrugs ("nanodrug delivery"). Nanodermatology, as a super-specialized branch of dermatology, is a quite recent specialty: the "Nanodermatology Society" founded by the eminent dermatologist Dr. Adnan Nasir, was established in 2010, with the aim of bringing together different stakeholders, including dermatologists, nanotechnology scientists, policy-makers and regulators, as well as students and medical residents. Psoriasis has a prevalence of 2-3% worldwide and imposes a severe clinical and societal burden. Nanodermatology-based solutions appear promising for the proper treatment and management of psoriasis, assisting and enhancing different steps of the process of health-care delivery: from the diagnosis to the therapeutics, paving the way for a personalized approach, based on the specific dysregulated biomarkers.

Investigation of anti-leishmanial efficacy of miltefosine and ketoconazole loaded on nanoniosomes

Leishmaniasis is a group of parasitic disease caused by protozoa of Leishmania genus. Leishmania major accounts for the cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). The current treatments of this disease are expensive with high toxicity and are associated to difficulties of healing and parasite resistance. Miltefosine and ketoconazole have been found to be effective against CL. In this study, miltefosine- and ketoconazole-loaded nanoniosomes were prepared by the thin film-hydration method, and their anti-leishmanial effects against Leishmania major promastigotes and amastigotes were evaluated. The particle size and zeta potential of the nanoniosomes were determined. Release from the formulations showed enhanced and controlled dissolution of the drugs. The miltefosine- and ketoconazole-loaded nanoniosomes inhibited the growth of promastigote and amastigote forms of Leishmania major in vitro after 48 h of incubation and had IC₅₀ values of 53.39 ± 0.02 and 86.38 ± 0.07 μg mL^-1, respectively. The formulations provided improved anti-leishmanial activities for the treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Nanotechnology in dermatology

The scientific community and general public have been exposed to a series of achievements attributed to a new area of knowledge: Nanotechnology. Both abroad and in Brazil, funding agencies have launched programs aimed at encouraging this type of research. Indeed, for many who come into contact with this subject it will be clear the key role that chemical knowledge will play in the evolution of this subject. And even more, will see that it is a science in which the basic structure is formed by distilling different areas of inter-and multidisciplinary knowledge along the lines of new paradigms. In this article, we attempt to clarify the foundations of nanotechnology, and demonstrate their contribution to new advances in dermatology as well as medicine in general. Nanotechnology is clearly the future.

Nanoemulsions and nanoparticles for non-melanoma skin cancer: effects of lipid materials

Basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas are non-melanoma skin cancers reported to be among the most common malignancies, being responsible for high human morbidity. Conventional chemotherapy applied to these conditions shows non-specific targeting, thus severe adverse side effects are also commonly reported. New therapeutic strategies based on nanoparticulates technology have emerged as alternatives for site specific chemotherapy. Among the different types of nanoparticulates, lipid nanoemulsions and nanoparticles have several advantages for topical delivery of poorly soluble chemotherapeutics. These particles show sustained drug release and protection of loaded drugs from chemical degradation. This technology is promising to enhance the intracellular concentration of drugs and consequently reduce the cytotoxicity of skin chemotherapy.

Emerging applications of nanomedicine in dermatology

BACKGROUND

Nanotechnology is a new branch of engineering consisting of the usage of nanoscale particles (100 nm and smaller). Nanomedicine is the application of nanoscale technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in medicine. Nanodermatology, nanotechnology applied to dermatology, represents one of the most advanced field for which an increasing interest, both economic and scientific, is rising. The skin is the first point of contact for a whole host of nanomaterials, ranging from topical preparations, articles of clothing and household products, to sporting goods and industrial manufactured goods. Applications of nanomedicine in dermatology include new direction in medical diagnosis, monitoring and treatment. Gold nanoparticle, quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles are used in non-invasive nanoimaging of high-resolution dermoscopy, microscopy, nanopunch, and spectroscopy, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. Nanotherapeutics has been considered in immunotherapy, genetherapy, and drug therapy. In drug therapy, because of size reduction or encapsulation of drug particles, the therapeutic potential of water insoluble and unstable drugs improve, and also facilitate the delivery of small molecules across blood, skin, nails, and pilosebaceous unit.

AIMS

To review therapeutic applications and benefits of nanomedicine in esthetic dermatology, treatment of malignancies, and inflammatory skin diseases.