The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes has gained traction over the years. One area that has seen an increase in research is the use of cannabinoids in dermatology. Cannabinoids are compounds found in the cannabis plant that interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates various physiological processes, including inflammation and pain. The ECS is also present in the skin and plays a role in maintaining skin health.
Several studies have demonstrated the potential benefits of cannabinoids in treating various skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, pruritus, and wound healing. However, one of the challenges with using cannabinoids for dermatological applications is their poor bioavailability and stability. This challenge can be addressed using nanotechnology.
Nanotechnology involves the manipulation of materials at the nanoscale level (1-100 nanometers) to create new structures and properties that are not present in bulk materials. In drug delivery, nanotechnology offers several advantages, including improved bioavailability, targeted delivery, reduced toxicity, and enhanced stability.
A recent article published in Precision Nanomedicine by Adusumilli et al. (2021) discusses the use of nanotechnology to deliver cannabinoids in dermatology. The authors highlight various nanosystems that have been used to deliver cannabinoids, including liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs), nanoemulsions, polymeric nanoparticles, and dendrimers.
Liposomes are spherical vesicles composed of a lipid bilayer that can encapsulate hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs. They have been used to encapsulate various cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and cannabigerol (CBG). Studies have shown that liposomal formulations of cannabinoids can improve their bioavailability and efficacy.
SLNs are another type of nanoparticle composed of solid lipids that can encapsulate hydrophobic drugs. They have been used to encapsulate THC and CBD and have shown improved stability and sustained release compared to non-encapsulated cannabinoids.
Nanoemulsions are colloidal systems consisting of oil, water, surfactant, and co-surfactant. They have been used to deliver various cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Nanoemulsions offer high bioavailability, rapid onset of action, and improved stability.
Polymeric nanoparticles are another type of nanoparticle that can encapsulate hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs. They have been used to deliver various cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBG, and cannabinol (CBN). Polymeric nanoparticles offer targeted delivery and sustained release of cannabinoids.
Dendrimers are highly branched, nanoscale polymers that can encapsulate hydrophilic or lipophilic drugs. They have been used to deliver various cannabinoids, including THC and CBD. Dendrimers offer high drug loading capacity and improved stability.
The use of nanotechnology to deliver cannabinoids in dermatology has several potential benefits. First, it can improve the bioavailability and efficacy of cannabinoids by enhancing their stability and solubility. Second, it can enable targeted delivery of cannabinoids to specific areas of the skin. Third, it can reduce the potential for systemic side effects by limiting the amount of drug that enters the bloodstream.
In conclusion, nanotechnology holds promise as a tool for delivering cannabinoids in dermatology. Various nanosystems have been developed that can improve the bioavailability, stability, and targeted delivery of cannabinoids. Further research is needed to optimize these systems for clinical use and determine their safety and efficacy in treating various skin conditions.
