Combination of nanoparticles with photothermal effects and phase-change material enhances the non-invasive transdermal delivery of drugs.
We describe a promising non-invasive transdermal delivery system comprising block copolymer composite micelles that contained a phase-change material (PCM), photothermal Au nanoparticles (AuNPs), and hydrophobic drugs in the core. To minimize cell toxicity, we developed block copolymer micelles with a poly(ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL) biodegradable core and a hyperbranched polyglycol (hbPG) shell. The hbPG block formed micelles at a low-molecular-weight fraction of a low-molecular-weight block copolymer. The composite micelles showed excellent biocompatibility with cell viability at high concentrations. Visible light irradiation (λ=520 nm) of the composite micelles induced the photothermal effects of the AuNPs and melting of the PCM (lauric acid); hence, the drugs were released along with the PCM liquid. The release rate was controlled by the light intensity. Based on in vitro and in vivo skin penetration studies, the skin permeability of the drug remarkably improved under mild light irradiation (18 J/cm(2)) that was much lower than the dose that causes skin damage.
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Yong-Jin
YJ
Kim
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Bongsoo
B
Kim
Department of Applied Chemistry, Department of Bionano Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
Jin Woong
JW
Kim
Department of Cosmetic Science & Technology, Seowon University, Cheongju, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea.
Gaewon
G
Nam
Department of Dentistry, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, Republic of Korea.
Hyon-Seok
HS
Jang
Next-Generation Pharmaceutical Research Center, Korea Institute of Toxicology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; Human and Environmental Toxicology Program, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: swkang@kitox.re.kr.
Sun-Woong
SW
Kang
Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), Pohang, Gyeongbuk, Republic of Korea. Electronic address: ujeong@postech.ac.kr.
Unyong
U
Jeong
D016475:3T3 Cells; D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006046:Gold / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D007509:Irritants; D007850:Lauric Acids / Q000737:chemistry; D008027:Light; D053768:Metal Nanoparticles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D011091:Polyesters; D012869:Skin Absorption; D034421:Sus scrofa
D004337:Drug Carriers; D007509:Irritants; D007850:Lauric Acids; D011091:Polyesters; C030358:lauric acid; C016240:polycaprolactone; D006046:Gold
Au nanoparticles; Block copolymer micelle; Phase changing materials; Photothermal effect; Transdermal delivery