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Pharmaceuticals
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Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and...
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Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility

A special issue of Pharmaceuticals (ISSN 1424-8247). This special issue belongs to the section "Pharmaceutical Technology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 27 October 2026 | Viewed by 17326

Editors

Prof. Dr. Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Grupo de Pesquisa em Doenças Metabólicas (GPDM), Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Análises Clínicas, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, PR, Brazil
Interests: nano-based formulations; inflammation; pain management
Dr. Raul Edison Luna Lazo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Center for Studies in Bio-Pharmacy, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, Brazil
Interests: drug delivery systems; pharmacokinetics; drug monitoring; health technology assessment; drug safety; natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luana Mota Ferreira

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Center for Studies in Bio-Pharmacy, Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba 80210-170, PR, Brazil
Interests: drug delivery systems; pharmacokinetics; health technology assessment; drug safety; clinical pharmacology; natural products
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Skin disorders represent a significant burden on global healthcare systems, affecting millions of individuals and requiring innovative therapeutic strategies. Advances in biotechnological formulations have paved the way for more effective and targeted treatments for various dermatological conditions. These approaches emphasize biocompatibility, sustained release, and improved skin penetration, ensuring greater efficacy and patient adherence. In particular, the integration of cutting-edge delivery systems, natural ingredients, and biopolymers into these therapies has revolutionized the dermatological landscape, opening up new possibilities in addressing inflammatory, infectious, and chronic skin disorders.

This Special Issue, “Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility,” will provide a platform for disseminating the latest findings in the field of dermatological formulation science. We welcome original research articles and reviews exploring innovative delivery systems and their applications in treating skin disorders, emphasizing formulation and biocompatibility evaluations.

Topics of interest for this Special Issue include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and polymeric nanoparticles, designed to allow enhanced penetration and controlled drug release in skin applications;
  • Formulations incorporating probiotics to restore skin microbiome balance and treat conditions such as acne, dermatitis, and psoriasis;
  • Biotechnological approaches utilizing natural products, including plant-derived bioactive compounds, essential oils, and extracts with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties;
  • The use of biopolymers, such as polysaccharides and other natural gums, in innovative formulations like hydrogels, films, and emulsions for wound healing and barrier restoration;
  • Mechanistic studies on skin absorption, tissue interaction, and the role of formulation excipients in enhancing therapeutic outcomes;
  • The evaluation of the safety, efficacy, and stability of novel formulations using in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models;
  • Applications of advanced formulations in chronic skin conditions, infections, wound management, and cosmetic dermatology

This Special Issue will foster interdisciplinary dialog and share breakthroughs in the development of novel delivery strategies for managing skin disorders. Submissions emphasizing biotechnological innovation, biocompatibility, and translational potential are particularly encouraged.

We look forward to receiving your contributions to this exciting field of research.

Prof. Dr. Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari
Dr. Raul Edison Luna Lazo
Guest Editors

Dr. Luana Mota Ferreira
Guest Editor Assistant

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceuticals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • skin disorders
  • biotechnological formulations
  • nanocarriers
  • probiotic-based formulations
  • natural products
  • polysaccharides
  • skin delivery systems
  • bioactive compounds
  • antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
  • wound healing
  • safety and efficacy in skin therapies

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 14583 KB  
Article
Combined Tribenoside/Lidocaine Rectal Cream (Procto-Glyvenol®) Promotes Tissue Repair in a Preclinical Model of Acute Complicated Anal Fissure
by Ganna Zaychenko, Nazarii Kobyliak, Larysa Natrus, Maksym Tymofieiev, Patrizia Angelico, Stefano Biondi and Matteo Malinverno
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 612; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040612 - 13 Apr 2026
Viewed by 2038
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a rectal cream containing tribenoside and lidocaine (TL) in a rat model of anal fissure (AF) and to investigate the potential mechanisms of its therapeutic action compared with those of [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of a rectal cream containing tribenoside and lidocaine (TL) in a rat model of anal fissure (AF) and to investigate the potential mechanisms of its therapeutic action compared with those of a standard care rectal cream containing 2% diltiazem (D). Methods: Treatment efficacy was assessed via macroscopic methods. The levels of the inflammatory factors IL-6 and IL-10 in the tissues were measured via ELISA. Histology assessment was performed with standard hematoxylin/eosin stain, Masson’s trichrome method and picrosirius stain. The levels of NF-κB, VEGF, TGF-beta 1, HIF-1α and E-cadherin were measured via densitometric immunoblot analysis. Results: The results of this study show that the medical product TL has therapeutic efficacy in a preclinical model of acute complicated AF, which is likely related to its complex composition. The severity of pathology in the TL group was significantly lower than that in the control pathology (CP) group on the eighth day of treatment and remained significantly lower on the 11th and 12th days. There was no statistically significant difference between the TL group and the CP group (p = 0.186 for IL-6 and p = 0.078 for IL-10). The efficacy of TL and D groups showed no statistically significant difference. At the end of the experiment, after 12 days of treatment, the level of the proinflammatory marker NF-κB in the CP group was greater than that in the intact control (IC) group. In turn, the NF-κB level in the TL group was lower than that in the CP group and significantly lower than that in the D group. Other important markers evaluated in this study demonstrated a similar tendency. The histopathological analysis showed that TL ointment promoted superior tissue repair, resulting in healthier anodermal architecture with minimal scarring and reduced fibrosis. Conclusions: This study confirms the potential for conducting further pharmacological studies of the mechanism of action and further clinical trials of the rectal cream TL, which has certain advantages in terms of effectiveness in a model of acute complicated AF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility)
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Review

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17 pages, 650 KB  
Review
Topical Retinoids in Acne Vulgaris and Acne Scars—From Monotherapy to Combining Regimens
by Aleksandra Tobiasz, Alina Jankowska-Konsur and Danuta Nowicka
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(4), 620; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19040620 - 15 Apr 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3649
Abstract
Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of the treatment of multiple dermatological conditions. Long established in acne therapy, they exert effects on keratinization, inflammation, fibroblast activity, and collagen remodeling, suggesting a potential role in both the prevention and treatment of acne scars. This narrative [...] Read more.
Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of the treatment of multiple dermatological conditions. Long established in acne therapy, they exert effects on keratinization, inflammation, fibroblast activity, and collagen remodeling, suggesting a potential role in both the prevention and treatment of acne scars. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the use of topical retinoids in acne vulgaris and acne scarring, focusing on different retinoid molecules, formulation technologies, and combination strategies. A review of published clinical and experimental studies evaluating tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene, and trifarotene was performed, including their use as monotherapy and in combination with other topical agents or procedural interventions. The available data indicate that topical retinoids have a well-established position in acne treatment, can improve the appearance of atrophic acne scars, reduce the progression of scarring, and support skin remodeling. Advances in formulation technologies have improved tolerability, while combination approaches with agents such as benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics or procedural techniques have shown additive or synergistic effects, particularly in more severe cases. Nevertheless, much of the evidence regarding novel formulations is derived from small or heterogeneous study populations. In conclusion, topical retinoids represent a relevant therapeutic option in acne vulgaris and acne scarring, from monotherapy in mild cases to components of multimodal treatment protocols in more severe disease. Further large-scale, comparative studies are needed to better define the optimal clinical use of advanced drug delivery systems for topical retinoids. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility)
39 pages, 2250 KB  
Review
Next-Generation Wound Care: A Scoping Review on Probiotic, Prebiotic, Synbiotic, and Postbiotic Cutaneous Formulations
by Patrícia Machado, Felipe Neme Ribeiro, Fernanda Cristina Wroblevski Giublin, Naomi Gerzvolf Mieres, Fernanda Stumpf Tonin, Roberto Pontarolo, Marcel Henrique Marcondes Sari, Raul Edison Luna Lazo and Luana Mota Ferreira
Pharmaceuticals 2025, 18(5), 704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph18050704 - 9 May 2025
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 9742
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant socioeconomic burden, affecting 1–2% of the global population. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling, but factors such as infections, diabetes, aging, and poor nutrition can impair recovery, leading to chronic [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Chronic wounds represent a significant socioeconomic burden, affecting 1–2% of the global population. Wound healing is a complex process involving inflammation, cell proliferation, and tissue remodeling, but factors such as infections, diabetes, aging, and poor nutrition can impair recovery, leading to chronic wounds. Given these challenges, researchers have explored topical probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics as alternatives strategies. Strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium contribute to skin restoration by producing antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory compounds, offering a novel approach to cutaneous restoration. Our study aims to address the potential effects of topical probiotic, synbiotic, and postbiotic formulations for wound healing applications by means of a broad scoping review and evidence-gap mapping. Methods: A systematic literature search of preclinical studies (in vitro and in vivo) was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science (January 2025), yielding 3052 articles after duplicates removal, of which 44 met the inclusion criteria. Results: These studies were published between 1986 and 2024, mostly by China (27.3%) and Iran (25.0%). Probiotics were frequently evaluated among the studies included (47.7%) (with Lactobacillus plantarum being the most assessed strain), followed by postbiotics (36.4%) (with predominant use of cell-free supernatants) and synbiotics (15.9%) (especially fructooligosaccharides). Dosage forms included gels (44.4%), films (15.6%), and ointments (13.3%). Conclusions: Most studies indicate that probiotics, synbiotics, and postbiotics have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, while promoting angiogenesis, tissue regeneration, and skin barrier restoration. The use of different delivery systems may additionally enhance therapeutic outcomes by accelerating wound closure, reducing bacterial load, and modulating immune response. However, methodological limitations in animal studies highlight the need for greater experimental rigor. Further robust clinical trials are essential to confirm efficacy and safety before clinical application of these formulations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility)
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Other

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21 pages, 1370 KB  
Systematic Review
Iontophoresis-Based Topical Drug Delivery for Dermatologic Conditions: A Systematic Review
by Francesco Piscazzi, Francesco D’Oria, Maria Alejandra Ramirez and Marco Ardigò
Pharmaceuticals 2026, 19(5), 765; https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19050765 - 13 May 2026
Viewed by 831
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The efficacy of topical therapies in dermatology is often limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which restricts drug penetration. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive transdermal delivery technique that uses a low-intensity electrical current to enhance the transport of charged [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The efficacy of topical therapies in dermatology is often limited by the barrier function of the stratum corneum, which restricts drug penetration. Iontophoresis is a non-invasive transdermal delivery technique that uses a low-intensity electrical current to enhance the transport of charged and polar molecules across the skin. It has emerged as a strategy to improve local drug bioavailability while minimizing systemic exposure. We systematically reviewed the clinical evidence on the efficacy, safety, and pharmacologic performance of iontophoresis-assisted topical drug delivery in dermatologic diseases. Methods: This systematic review followed PRISMA guidelines and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251234877). PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched through 19 November 2025 without language restrictions. Records were screened against predefined eligibility criteria, and data were extracted on study design, participants, dermatologic indications, intervention/comparator, iontophoresis parameters, efficacy outcomes, and adverse events. The risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2 for randomized trials and the JBI checklist for non-randomized studies. Because of substantial clinical and methodological heterogeneity, the findings were synthesized narratively and no meta-analysis was performed. Results: Twenty-one studies published between 1990 and 2025 met the inclusion criteria, including 15 randomized and 6 non-randomized studies. Investigated conditions included psoriasis, eczema, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, herpes labialis, onychomycosis, chronic ulcers, systemic sclerosis-related digital ulcers, acne scarring, and actinic keratosis. Across studies, findings were mixed. The most consistent signals of benefit were observed in pigmentary disorders and infectious diseases, whereas results were more heterogeneous in inflammatory dermatoses and some studies did not show superiority over active comparators. Tolerability was generally favorable, with adverse events limited to mild, reversible local reactions such as erythema, tingling, burning, or transient irritation. No serious treatment-related adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Iontophoresis may represent a useful non-invasive delivery-enhancement strategy in selected dermatologic settings, particularly when topical efficacy is limited by anatomical or physicochemical barriers. However, heterogeneity in protocols, formulations, outcomes, and clinical indications limits direct comparison and does not support broad conclusions of efficacy across all dermatologic conditions. Larger, standardized trials are needed to clarify its therapeutic role, long-term efficacy, and indication-specific benefit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biotechnological Formulations for Skin Disorders: Delivery Strategies and Biocompatibility)
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