Nanocomposite patches for transdermal drug delivery: A review

Transdermal drug delivery encounters limitations due to skin’s barrier resistance, which restricts drug penetration. Only small, lipophilic drugs can easily cross the skin, limiting the range of deliverable compounds. Variability in skin thickness and condition further affects drug absorption and efficacy. In addition, potential skin irritation or allergic reactions present safety concerns. Overcoming these barriers requires advanced formulations and technologies to enhance drug delivery efficiency and safety. Recent advancements in transdermal drug delivery have led to the development of nanocomposite systems that integrate biocompatible polymers with nanoparticles (NPs) to optimize drug transport across the skin barrier. These nanocomposites offer controlled release kinetics, ensuring sustained therapeutic drug levels while minimizing systemic side effects. By enhancing skin permeability and overcoming challenges such as poor drug solubility and inconsistent absorption rates, they enable effective delivery of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs. The versatility of nanocomposites allows for precise customization of drug release profiles, tailored to specific therapeutic needs and patient requirements. This technology shows promise in improving patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes, offering a viable alternative to conventional drug delivery methods. Ongoing research focuses on refining nanocomposite formulations to enhance efficacy, scalability, and regulatory approval, aiming to expand their clinical applications across various medical fields. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of NPs widely used in transdermal delivery, including lipid-based, polymeric-based, and inorganic NPs. It also discusses types of transdermal patches, such as reservoir, matrix, drug-in-adhesive, and hydrogel patches. In addition, biomedical applications, limitations and future perspectives are thoroughly addressed.