Enhanced delivery of nano- and submicron particles using elongated microparticles.

Nanodermatology is a rapidly emerging field of study receiving significant interest because of its potential application in the prevention and treatment of skin diseases. However, nanoparticulate penetration into and through the skin is not feasible through topical application alone. Many physical and chemical approaches have been developed to enhance particulate penetration into skin. The most successful have been physical penetration enhancers. We have found that elongated microparticles can significantly improve topical nano- and microsphere delivery in an in vivo porcine model. The delivery efficiency was inversely related to the diameter of the payload. These data support a role for elongated microparticle enhanced delivery of nano- and submicron particulate cosmeceutical or therapeutic applications.