Flutamide-Loaded Zein Nanocapsule Hydrogel, a Promising Dermal Delivery System for Pilosebaceous Unit Disorders

Potential of nanoparticulate based delivery systems for effective management of alopecia

In recent times, more than 50 % of the global population is facing hair-related issues (alopecia) which is seen mostly amongst the people in the age group of 30-40 years. The conventional topical dosage forms available in the market falls short in effectively managing alopecia. Despite various advancements in topical dosage forms, it is still disposed to limited clinical application and provides poor penetration of drug molecules into the skin. The exact etiology of alopecia is still unknown and various researchers link lifestyle, hereditary, and auto immune-based events with its existence. Nanoparticulate-based delivery are hence brought in use to enhance the permeability properties of the drug. In comparison to conventional methods nanotechnology-based drug delivery system tames drug molecules to a specific site with much better efficacy. This review is engrossed in the journey and role of nano technological-based drug delivery in the management of alopecia and its clinical application.

Recent advances in polymer shell oily-core nanocapsules for drug-delivery applications

Polymeric nanocapsules are vesicular drug-delivery systems composed of an inner oily reservoir surrounded by polymeric membranes. Nanocapsules have various advantages over other nanovesicular systems such as providing controlled drug release properties. We discuss the recent advances in polymeric shell oily-core nanocapsules, illustrating the different types of polymers used and their implementation. Nanocapsules can be utilized for many purposes, especially encapsulation of highly lipophilic drugs. They have been shown to have variable applications, especially in cancer therapy, due to the ability of the polymeric shell to direct the loaded drugs to their target sites, as well as their high internalization efficacy. Those productive applications guaranteed their high potential as drug-delivery systems. However, their clinical development is still in an early stage.

Sex hormones and acne: State of the art

Acne is an androgen-dependent inflammatory disease of sebaceous follicles. Herein, we reviewed and discussed the underlying pathways of androgen biosynthesis and metabolism, non-genomic regulation of androgen receptor expression and function, posttranslational regulation of androgen excess in acne and acne-associated syndromes, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia. We provide insights into the involvement of sex hormones, particularly androgens, in skin homeostasis and acne pathogenesis, including comedogenesis, lipogenesis, microbiota, and inflammation. Advanced understanding of the action mechanisms of classical acne treatment and new development of antiandrogens, both topical and systemic, are also highlighted.

Protein-polysaccharide nanohybrids: Hybridization techniques and drug delivery applications

Complex nanosystems fabricated by hybridization of different types of materials such as lipids, proteins, or polysaccharides are usually superior to simple ones in terms of features and applications. Proteins and polysaccharides hold great potential for development of nanocarriers for drug delivery purposes based on their unique biocompatibility, biodegradability, ease of functionalization, improved biodistribution and minimal toxicity profiles. Protein-polysaccharide nanohybrids have gained a lot of attention in the past few years particularly for drug delivery applications. In this review, different hybridization techniques utilized in the fabrication of such nanohybrids including electrostatic complexation, Maillard conjugation, chemical coupling and electrospinning were thoroughly reviewed. Moreover, various formulation factors affecting the characteristics of the formed nanohybrids were discussed. We also reviewed in depth the outcomes of such hybridization ranging from stability enhancement, to toxicity reduction, improved biocompatibility, and drug release modulation. We also gave an insight on their limitations and what hinders their clinical translation and market introduction.