Polymer-Based Topical Drug Delivery: Advances in Skin Penetration and Targeted Therapy

Mansi Upadhyay; Noureen Jahan; Mohammad Saliq; Madhu Singh; Preeti Prasad

doi:10.55006/biolsciences.2026.6204

Authors

Mansi Upadhyay Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Noureen Jahan Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Mohammad Saliq Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Madhu Singh Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Preeti Prasad Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Madan Mohan Malaviya University of Technology, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55006/biolsciences.2026.6204

Keywords:

Hydrogels, Polymers, Drug delivery, Transdermal, Topical

Abstract

Topical drug delivery systems have advanced significantly with the incorporation of polymer-based formulations, providing better patient compliance, controlled drug release, and increased therapeutic efficacy. Lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPNPs) are particularly highlighted for site-specific delivery of multiple medications, owing to their structural advantages and controlled-release capabilities. The multifunctional role of polymers in stabilizing therapeutic proteins and enhancing skin penetration is explored, along with innovations such as pH-sensitive, temperature-sensitive, and biodegradable polymer systems. Emerging technologies like 3D printing are also discussed for their potential to revolutionize personalized topical therapies. Applications in dermatology, wound healing, and cosmetics underscore the versatility of polymeric systems. Numerous polymeric systems, including hydrogels, emulgels, nanogels, polymeric nanoparticles, microspheres, and film-forming systems, are highly effective at improving drug localization, enhancing skin retention, and achieving controlled release. The comparative analysis of these systems indicates that nanoparticles or nanogels will provide superior tissue penetration and targeted delivery, while hydrogels or emulgels will provide increased patient compliance and a prolonged duration of action at the site of topical administration. Challenges associated with scaling up manufacturing processes, polymer-related toxicity, regulatory approval, and long-term stability will continue to restrict the translation of these technologies to clinical use. Safety concerns, particularly toxicity and long-term bioaccumulation of certain polymer systems, are critically examined.

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