A growing variety of biological macromolecules are in development for use as active ingredients in topical therapies and vaccines. Dermal delivery of biomacromolecules offers several advantages compared to other delivery methods, including improved targetability, reduced systemic toxicity, and decreased degradation of drugs. However, this route of delivery is hampered by the barrier function of the skin. Recently, a large body of research has been directed toward improving the delivery of macromolecules to the skin, ranging from nucleic acids (NAs) to antigens, using noninvasive means. In this review, we discuss the latest formulation-based efforts to deliver antigens and NAs for vaccination and treatment of skin diseases. We provide a perspective of their advantages, limitations, and potential for clinical translation. The delivery platforms discussed in this review may provide formulation scientists and clinicians with a better vision of the alternatives for dermal delivery of biomacromolecules, which may facilitate the development of new patient-friendly prophylactic and therapeutic medicines.
Keywords: antigens; dermatological diseases; nanocarriers; nucleic acids; siRNA; transcutaneous vaccination.
© 2021 The Authors. Bioengineering & Translational Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Institute of Chemical Engineers.