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Pharmaceutics
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Biomaterials for Skin Drug Delivery
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Biomaterials for Skin Drug Delivery

A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Drug Delivery and Controlled Release".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 3016

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Diana Araújo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Associate Laboratory i4HB—Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
2. UCIBIO—Applied Molecular Biosciences Unit, Department of Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, NOVA University Lisbon, 2829-516 Caparica, Portugal
Interests: microbial biopolymers; polysaccharides; polyhydroxyalkoanates; drug delivery systems; hydrogels; microneedle technology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The skin is a highly accessible and protective organ, making it an attractive route for drug administration. However, its barrier function, particularly the outermost layer, the stratum corneum, poses significant challenges for effective transdermal and dermal drug delivery. In recent years, biomaterials have emerged as key enablers in overcoming these limitations, offering innovative platforms for the controlled, targeted, and patient-friendly delivery of therapeutic agents. From hydrogels and nanocarriers to microneedles and bioresponsive systems, advances in biomaterials are transforming the skin drug delivery field and improving outcomes in a wide range of medical and cosmetic applications.

This Special Issue aims to highlight recent progress in the design, development, and application of biomaterials for skin drug delivery. We welcome original research papers and reviews that explore novel biomaterials, delivery strategies, and therapeutic approaches.  Research areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: polymeric and lipid-based carriers, hydrogels, microneedles, nanomaterials, bioresponsive or stimuli-responsive systems, and biofabrication techniques. We also invite studies focusing on drug release kinetics, skin permeation enhancement, and safety evaluation, as well as applications in dermatological therapy, wound healing, inflammation, infections, and cosmetic formulations.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Diana Araújo
Guest Editor

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Pharmaceutics 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 drug delivery
  • transdermal delivery
  • topical delivery
  • skin permeation
  • biomaterials
  • hydrogels
  • microneedles
  • nanocarriers
  • bioresponsive materials

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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23 pages, 1681 KB  
Article
Encapsulation of Cannabidiol in Chitosan-Stabilized Argan Oil Nanoemulsion as a Potential Dermal Drug Delivery System for Psoriasis Treatment
by Yousra Mdarhri, Vinicius de-Monte-Vidal, Camila de-Almeida-Perez-Pimenta, Selene Cuello-Rodríguez, Ahmed Touhami, Fakhita Touhami, Mohamed Chabbi and Victoria Díaz-Tomé
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(3), 286; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18030286 - 26 Feb 2026
Viewed by 958
Abstract
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, exhibits therapeutic potential for various conditions, including inflammation, pain, and skin disorders, making it a promising candidate for the topical treatment of psoriasis. However, its poor water solubility and instability limit [...] Read more.
Background: Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive compound derived from Cannabis sativa, exhibits therapeutic potential for various conditions, including inflammation, pain, and skin disorders, making it a promising candidate for the topical treatment of psoriasis. However, its poor water solubility and instability limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study focuses on the development and characterization of CBD-loaded nanoemulsions using argan oil as the lipid phase, with and without a chitosan coating, which serves as a stabilizing and functional biopolymer. Methods: Nanoemulsions (NE) and chitosan-stabilized nanoemulsions (CS-NE), both without CBD (serving as controls), and CBD-loaded variants (CBD-NE and CBD-CS-NE) were prepared and characterized for their physicochemical properties, including pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ζ-potential), and viscosity at various shear rates and temperatures. Stability was assessed over time, and drug release behavior was investigated through in vitro diffusion and ex vivo skin permeation studies, followed by kinetic modeling. Safety was evaluated through in vitro cytotoxicity assays using HaCaT keratinocyte cells, as well as in vivo toxicity studies using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). Results: The chitosan-coated formulations exhibited enhanced physical stability, nanoscale droplet size, a positive surface charge, and increased viscosity. Release studies demonstrated that CBD-CS-NE enabled controlled and sustained drug release, with a strong correlation to the Higuchi model, indicating diffusion-controlled permeation. Cytotoxicity assays indicated that CBD-CS-NE was non-toxic to cultured cells, while in vivo testing with C. elegans revealed sensitivity to chitosan-coated systems. Conclusions: These findings highlight the potential of CBD-loaded argan oil nanoemulsions, particularly those stabilized with chitosan, as potential topical delivery systems for managing psoriasis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Skin Drug Delivery)
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16 pages, 1961 KB  
Article
Solid Microneedles from Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate): A Solvent-Free, Biodegradable Platform for Drug Delivery
by Diana Araújo, Francisco Santos, Rui Igreja and Filomena Freitas
Pharmaceutics 2026, 18(1), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics18010139 - 22 Jan 2026
Viewed by 643
Abstract
Background: Solid microneedles (MNs) are effective transdermal delivery devices but are commonly fabricated from metallic or non-biodegradable materials, raising concerns related to sustainability, waste management, and processing constraints. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of the biodegradable biopolyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHVHHx) as [...] Read more.
Background: Solid microneedles (MNs) are effective transdermal delivery devices but are commonly fabricated from metallic or non-biodegradable materials, raising concerns related to sustainability, waste management, and processing constraints. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of the biodegradable biopolyester poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHVHHx) as a structuring material for solvent-free fabrication of solid MN arrays and to assess their mechanical performance, insertion capability, and drug delivery potential. Methods: PHBHVHHx MN arrays were fabricated by solvent-free micromolding at 200 °C. The resulting MNs were morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical properties were assessed by axial compression testing, and insertion performance was evaluated using a multilayer Parafilm skin simulant model. Diclofenac sodium was used as a model drug and applied via surface coating using a FucoPol-based formulation. In vitro drug release was assessed in phosphate-buffered saline under sink conditions and quantified by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Results: PHBHVHHx MN arrays consisted of sharp, well-defined conical needles (681 ± 45 µm length; 330 µm base diameter) with micro-textured surfaces. The MNs withstood compressive forces up to 0.25 ± 0.03 N/needle and achieved insertion depths of approximately 396 µm in the Parafilm model. Drug-coated MNs retained adequate mechanical integrity and exhibited a rapid release profile, with approximately 73% of diclofenac sodium released within 10 min. Conclusions: The results demonstrate that PHBHVHHx is a suitable biodegradable thermoplastic for the fabrication of solid MN arrays via a solvent-free process. PHBHVHHx MNs combine adequate mechanical performance, reliable insertion capability, and compatibility with coated drug delivery, supporting their potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional solid MN systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Skin Drug Delivery)
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14 pages, 4185 KB  
Article
Dermal Formulation Incorporating Isoconazole Nitrate Nanoparticles Offers High Absorption into Skin and Antimicrobial Effect Against Candida albicans
by Ayako Harada, Rie Tanaka, Hiroko Otake, Masanori Yoshimura, Tae Wada, Tohru Nagahama and Noriaki Nagai
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(12), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17121519 - 26 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 816
Abstract
Background: Isoconazole nitrate (ISN), an antifungal agent that inhibits ergosterol synthesis by blocking lanosterol 14α-demethylation, is widely used to treat candidiasis, and improving its skin retention and permeability can enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we developed an ISN nanoparticle (ISN-NP) gel by [...] Read more.
Background: Isoconazole nitrate (ISN), an antifungal agent that inhibits ergosterol synthesis by blocking lanosterol 14α-demethylation, is widely used to treat candidiasis, and improving its skin retention and permeability can enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, we developed an ISN nanoparticle (ISN-NP) gel by wet-bead milling in the presence of methylcellulose (MC). Methods: These ISN nanoparticles were incorporated into a carboxypolymethylene hydrogel (Carbopol). The ISN concentration was measured using HPLC, and Wistar rats and Candida albicans were used to evaluate skin absorption and antifungal activity, respectively. Results: The ISN-NP gel exhibited a particle size distribution ranging from 60 to 220 nm, with the nanoparticles remaining stable. In addition, the ISN-NP gel demonstrated superior antifungal activity against Candida albicans. The Carbopol gel maintained appropriate viscosity and physical stability, and the ISN nanoparticles were released from the gel. Compared with microparticle-based gels (ISN-MP gels), the ISN-NP gel showed significantly enhanced drug release and transdermal permeation, with 1.54- and 1.7-fold increases, respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that incorporating ISN nanoparticles (nanocrystalline ISN) into a Carbopol-based gel matrix provides a promising strategy to enhance the topical delivery of this poorly water-soluble antifungal drug. Overall, this nanogel system represents a valuable platform for transdermal delivery in clinical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomaterials for Skin Drug Delivery)
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