Environmentally Responsive Nanoparticles for Delivery as Assessed via Light Scattering and Near-infrared Imaging

It has been extensively reported that particles of submicron dimensions can penetrate the stratum corneum (SC);1-4 however, this remains a controversial area and was recently refuted in the case of solid nanoparticles, e.g. zinc oxide.5 In vivo studies by Lademan et al.6 also demonstrated that particles having dimensions of greater than 40 nm fail to penetrate the intact SC through cellular or paracellular pathways, and only appear to penetrate via a follicular route.7 Yet other contradictory work warrants the further investigation8 of particles < 100 nm into the SC; for instance, ex vivo skin studies have shown that rigid metallic nanoparticles of < 10 nm can penetrate the SC.9 In addition, elastic phospholipid vesicles of approximately 100 nm have been shown in vivo to penetrate the SC, to a greater extent than nonelastic vesicles of similar dimensions.10 This suggests a role for elastic nanostructures with dimensions on the order of 10 nm.

Log in to view the full article
More in Cosmetic Ingredients