The first limiting barrier for the transport in the skin is the stratum corneum; different strategies have
been developed to overcome this barrier, including chemical enhancers. However, these penetration enhancers
have limitations, including toxic adverse effects. In this context, research into nanomaterials has provided new
tools to increase the residence time of drugs by generating a reservoir, increasing the specificity of drugs and
reducing their adverse effects, and improving the penetration of drugs that are difficult to formulate. Silica
nanoparticles have been proposed as suitable nanocarriers for skin delivery. Unfortunately, the mechanisms involved
in the interaction, transport and fate of silica nanoparticles in the skin have not been fully investigated.
This paper reviews significant findings about the interaction between silica-based nanocarriers and the skin. First,
this review focuses on the properties and functions of the skin, the skin penetration properties of silica nanoparticles,
their synthesis strategies and their toxicity. Finally, advances and evidence on the application of silica nanocarriers
in skin drug delivery are provided, in which the use of nanoparticles increases the stability and solubility
of the bioactive compound, enhancing its performance, act as penetrator enhancer and improving controlled release.
Thus, improving the treatment of some skin disorders.
QSAR Analyses of Skin Penetration Enhancers.
