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Pharmaceutics
Special Issues
Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
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Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2025 | Viewed by 12919

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mara Madalina Mihai

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Guest Editor
Department of Oncologic Dermatology, “Elias” Emergency University Hospital, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: skin healing; chronic wounds; bacterial biofilms; host–microbiome interactions; antibacterial therapies; targeted therapy; nanotechnology; skin cancer; melanoma; dermoscopy; skin aging
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Olguta Anca Orzan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Oncologic Dermatology, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 020021 Bucharest, Romania
2. Elias Emergency University Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: biological therapy; molecularly-targeted therapy; inflammatory skin disease; psoriasis; atopic dermatitis; oncologic dermatology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over time, research has focused on developing new strategies to improve the bioavailability of topical therapies and increase their efficiency while minimizing adverse events. As a result, there has been a growing interest in transdermal and dermal drug delivery systems. These versatile systems allow active pharmaceutical components to penetrate the stratum corneum and to be involved in local or systemic actions. The use of dermal and transdermal drug delivery systems is accompanied by several advantages such as being noninvasive, less painful, controlling the drug release rate over a prolonged period, not involving the passage through the gastrointestinal tract, and therefore avoidance of first-pass metabolism, without pH, enzymes and intestinal bacteria interferences. Significantly progress has been made in the delivery of various agents in a wide spectrum of symptoms and pathologies, including pain management, hormonal therapies, and cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases.

As an editorial team with clinical and research experience in novel therapies (drug delivery systems, nanotechnology, bioactive materials, transdermal drug delivery systems, biologic therapy, immunotherapy), we are pleased to invite you to contribute your recent work to this Special Issue, which aims to bring together the most innovative and interesting advances made in the dermal and transdermal drug delivery systems.

Original research articles and review papers focusing on this intriguing field are welcome to be considered for publication in this Special Issue. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Mara Mădălina Mihai
Dr. Olguta Anca Orzan
Guest Editors

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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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

  • transdermal drug delivery
  • dermal drug delivery
  • nanotechnology
  • biopatch
  • nanocarriers
  • microneedles
  • skin penetration
  • electroporation
  • iontophoresis

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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31 pages, 8942 KB  
Article
Formulation Studies on Microemulsion-Based Polymer Gels Loaded with Voriconazole for the Treatment of Skin Mycoses
by Michał Gackowski, Anna Froelich, Oliwia Kordyl, Jolanta Długaszewska, Dorota Kamińska, Raphaël Schneider and Tomasz Osmałek
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(9), 1218; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17091218 - 18 Sep 2025
Viewed by 465
Abstract
Background: Skin mycoses affect approximately 10% of the global population, and the range of effective topical antifungal agents remains limited. Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum triazole with proven efficacy against drug-resistant fungal infections. This study aimed to develop and optimize VRC-loaded microemulsion (ME) [...] Read more.
Background: Skin mycoses affect approximately 10% of the global population, and the range of effective topical antifungal agents remains limited. Voriconazole (VRC) is a broad-spectrum triazole with proven efficacy against drug-resistant fungal infections. This study aimed to develop and optimize VRC-loaded microemulsion (ME) polymer gels (Carbopol®-based) for cutaneous delivery. Selected formulations also contained menthol (2%) as a penetration enhancer and potential synergistic antifungal agent. Methods: A comprehensive screening was performed using pseudoternary phase diagrams to identify stable oil/surfactant/co-surfactant/water systems. Selected MEs were prepared with triacetin, Etocas™ 35, and Transcutol®, then gelled with Carbopol®. Formulations were characterized for pH, droplet size, polydispersity index (PDI), and viscosity. In vitro VRC release was assessed using diffusion cells, while ex vivo permeation and skin deposition studies were conducted on full-thickness human skin. Rheological behavior (flow curves, yield stress) and texture (spreadability) were evaluated. Antifungal activity was tested against standard strain of Candida albicans and clinical isolates including a fluconazole-resistant strain. Results: The optimized ME (pH ≈ 5.2; droplet size ≈ 2.8 nm) was clear and stable with both VRC and menthol. Gelation produced non-Newtonian, shear-thinning hydrogels with low thixotropy, favorable for topical application. In ex vivo studies, performed with human skin, both VRC-loaded gels deposited the drug in the epidermis and dermis, with no detectable amounts in the receptor phase after 24 h, indicating retention within the skin. Menthol increased VRC deposition. Antifungal testing showed that VRC-containing gels produced large inhibition zones against C. albicans, including the resistant isolate. The VRC–menthol gel exhibited significantly greater inhibition zones than the VRC-only gel, confirming synergistic activity. Conclusions: ME-based hydrogels effectively delivered VRC into the skin. Menthol enhanced drug deposition and demonstrated synergistic antifungal activity with voriconazole. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems)
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14 pages, 2997 KB  
Article
The Development of a Multilayer Transdermal Patch Platform Based on Electrospun Nanofibers for the Delivery of Caffeine
by Jorge Teno, Zoran Evtoski, Cristina Prieto and Jose M. Lagaron
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 921; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070921 - 16 Jul 2025
Viewed by 1226
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The work presented herein focused on the development and characterization of a transdermal caffeine platform fabricated from ultrathin micro- and submicron fibers produced via electrospinning. Methods: The formulations incorporated caffeine encapsulated in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix, combined with various [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The work presented herein focused on the development and characterization of a transdermal caffeine platform fabricated from ultrathin micro- and submicron fibers produced via electrospinning. Methods: The formulations incorporated caffeine encapsulated in a polyethylene oxide (PEO) matrix, combined with various permeation enhancers. A backing layer made of annealed electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) facilitated the lamination of the two layers to form the final multilayer patch. Comprehensive characterization was conducted, utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess the fiber morphology, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) for chemical detection and to assess the stability of the caffeine, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) to analyze the physical state of the caffeine within the fibers of the active layer. Additionally, Franz cell permeation studies were performed using both synthetic membranes (Strat-M) and ex vivo human stratum corneum (SC) to evaluate and model the permeation kinetics. Results: These experiments demonstrated the significant role of enhancers in modulating the caffeine permeation rates provided by the patch, achieving permeation rates of up to 0.73 mg/cm2 within 24 h. Conclusions: This work highlights the potential of using electro-hydrodynamic processing technology to develop innovative transdermal delivery systems for drugs, offering a promising strategy for enhancing efficacy and innovative therapeutic direct plasma administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems)
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34 pages, 2317 KB  
Article
Formulation of Topical Drug Delivery Systems Containing a Fixed-Dose Isoniazid–Rifampicin Combination Using the Self-Emulsification Mechanism
by Melissa van Deventer, Richard K. Haynes, Marius Brits and Joe M. Viljoen
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(6), 680; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17060680 - 22 May 2025
Viewed by 1436
Abstract
Background: Tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, and the rise of drug-resistant strains is becoming increasingly concerning. Currently, treatment options are limited to systemic regimens; however, developing topical drug delivery systems could offer advantages for treating cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) when applied [...] Read more.
Background: Tuberculosis remains a significant global health issue, and the rise of drug-resistant strains is becoming increasingly concerning. Currently, treatment options are limited to systemic regimens; however, developing topical drug delivery systems could offer advantages for treating cutaneous tuberculosis (CTB) when applied directly to the lesions. We developed topical emulsions using the self-emulsification mechanism that combine fixed doses of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) using a quality-by-design approach. Methods: Preformulation studies pertaining to drug solubility in various solvents, the construction of pseudoternary diagrams to identify self-emulsification regions for each tested excipient combination, and the preparation of checkpoint formulations were conducted and visually examined. Formulations displaying no physical instabilities were subsequently exposed to characterization experiments, including droplet size determination, zeta potential, size distribution, viscosity, pH, self-emulsification, cloud point, robustness to dilution, and thermodynamic stability assessment. Three selected formulations were consequently subjected to membrane release experiments, followed by skin diffusion studies, and INH and RIF stability in these emulsions was determined, because these drugs have a known interaction. Conclusions: While incorporating essential oils in a topical formulation improved RIF solubility, it also resulted in several instabilities. RIF exhibited greater susceptibility to degradation under higher temperatures and lower pH conditions. However, drug release from all formulations tested was confirmed. Notably, olive oil microemulsions demonstrated the most favorable characteristics for dermal drug delivery; nonetheless, drug diffusion into and through the skin (which was not desired) could not be quantified. Despite these challenges, the findings indicate that topical drug delivery systems using the self-emulsification process can facilitate the direct treatment of CTB. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems)
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Review

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39 pages, 1536 KB  
Review
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems: Methods for Enhancing Skin Permeability and Their Evaluation
by Elena O. Bakhrushina, Marina M. Shumkova, Yana V. Avdonina, Arsen A. Ananian, Mina Babazadeh, Ghazaleh Pouya, Viktoria V. Grikh, Irina M. Zubareva, Svetlana I. Kosenkova, Ivan I. Krasnyuk, Jr. and Ivan I. Krasnyuk
Pharmaceutics 2025, 17(7), 936; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics17070936 - 20 Jul 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 5051
Abstract
Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is an increasingly important non-invasive method for administering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the skin barrier, offering advantages such as improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic side effects. As demand increases for patient-friendly and minimally invasive treatment options, TDD [...] Read more.
Transdermal drug delivery (TDD) is an increasingly important non-invasive method for administering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) through the skin barrier, offering advantages such as improved therapeutic efficacy and reduced systemic side effects. As demand increases for patient-friendly and minimally invasive treatment options, TDD has attracted substantial attention in research and clinical practice. This review summarizes recent advances enhancing skin permeability through chemical enhancers (e.g., ethanol, fatty acids, terpenes), physical (e.g., iontophoresis, microneedles, sonophoresis), and nanotechnological methods (e.g., liposomes, ethosomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, and transferosomes). A comprehensive literature analysis, including scientific publications, regulatory guidelines, and patents, was conducted to identify innovative methods and materials used to overcome the barrier properties of the stratum corneum. Special emphasis was placed on in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo evaluation techniques for such as Franz diffusion cells for assessing drug permeation and skin interactions. The findings highlight the importance of active physical methods, passive nanostructured systems, and chemical penetration enhancers. In conclusion, integrating multiple analytical techniques is essential for the rational design and optimization of effective transdermal drug delivery systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems)
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14 pages, 1864 KB  
Review
Emerging Treatments and New Vehicle Formulations for Atopic Dermatitis
by Sibel Ali, Ana Ion, Olguța Anca Orzan and Beatrice Bălăceanu-Gurău
Pharmaceutics 2024, 16(11), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics16111425 - 7 Nov 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3641
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing incidence among both children and adults. The recurrent nature, often with the persistence of symptoms, and the polymorphism of the response to current therapies have led to increased research [...] Read more.
Atopic dermatitis is one of the most common inflammatory skin diseases, with an increasing incidence among both children and adults. The recurrent nature, often with the persistence of symptoms, and the polymorphism of the response to current therapies have led to increased research in the therapeutic area dedicated to this condition. The understanding of pathophysiological pathways has contributed to the development of innovative therapies, including biological therapies, JAK inhibitors, but also emerging technologies like nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems. These innovations promise enhanced efficacy, reduced side effects, and improved patient outcomes. The ongoing exploration of novel vehicles, formulations, and natural biopolymers, along with cutting-edge therapeutic agents like tapinarof and mesenchymal stem cells, highlights the potential for an even more precise and personalized management of AD in the future. Despite these advances, challenges persist, particularly in ensuring the long-term safety, accessibility, and broader application of these therapies, necessitating continued research and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dermal and Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems)
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