Nanotechnology for vaginal drug delivery and targeting

Abstract Administration of therapeutics through the vaginal route is used to treat genital diseases, such as cancer, infections, or vaginitis. The route provides ease of administration, avoidance of the first-pass hepatic metabolism, and the possibility of assuring local and/or systemic effects. Unfortunately, therapeutic outcomes can be limited by changes in the vaginal environment. To beat the challenge, formulation of drug delivery nanosystems has been postulated to help in minimizing the influence of anatomy/physiology of the vagina on drug efficacy. These nanostructures can maximize the accumulation of therapeutics within the nonhealthy cells/tissues, or in deep contact with biological membranes before absorption into the bloodstream. Although possibilities are fascinating, formulation design needs for a clear definition of its effect on drug retention in vaginal mucosa and mucus penetration. Special focus will be given to recent advances in the engineering of nanoparticles, liposomes, nanoemulsions, dendrimers, and cyclodextrins for administration of drugs and genetic materials.