Nanogel-Enabled Transdermal Platforms for Targeted Management of Biofilm-Associated Chronic Infections
Aruna Sharma, Ameya Sharma, Divya Dheer, Amit Chaudhary, Neha JainIntroduction/Objective:
The problem of biofilm infections is of considerable clinical importance because of the presence of an EPS matrix, metabolic heterogeneity, and antimicrobial tolerance, leading to low penetration of antibiotics and contributing to the failure of therapy and the development of antimicrobial resistance. This review attempts to emphasize the advantages of using nanogel-based transdermal drug delivery for the efficient treatment of biofilm-associated infections.
Methods:
The review of the relevant literature has been conducted in order to assess the potential of nanogel-based delivery systems, especially as transdermal approaches in the therapy of biofilmassociated infections.
Results:
Nanogels have unique properties: they are nano-sized, contain high amounts of water, and are polymeric, allowing them to penetrate into biofilms. They can load hydrophilic and lipophilic compounds and allow the co-delivery of antibiotics with agents that disrupt biofilms, such as enzymes and quorum-sensing inhibitors. In transdermal formulations, nanogels can offer controlled drug release, improved penetration and retention in the tissues, and lower systemic exposure. The preclinical results show enhanced biofilm disruption, low minimum biofilm eradication concentration, and faster wound healing.
Discussion:
Some of the recent developments are hybrid systems that combine nanogels with microneedles or hydrogel patches that can ensure site-specific and controlled drug delivery. Patent developments such as WO2023212124A1, EP4514412A1, and US 11,129,975 further support this fact and reflect the translational potential of these systems. Nonetheless, scalability and stability have emerged as major obstacles to clinical translation.
Conclusion:
Nanogel-mediated transdermal delivery is one of the most exciting approaches that could be used for treating biofilm infections. Though faced with some issues such as scalability, stability, sterilization, and standardization, development of smart materials and drug delivery systems and personalized medicine could help in translating this approach into clinical use.