Nanoparticles and new drug combined for groundbreaking acne treatment
Researchers hope to test a new nano-treatment for acne on humans soon. The results of the experiment are published in the journal Nanoscale.Researchers at the University of South Australia have used nanotechnology to treat acne. The researchers used soft nanoparticles that are 50,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair to deliver an antibacterial compound known as Narasin to the epicenter of acne - the sebaceous unit.
The sebaceous unit is made up of sebaceous glands that connect to the isthmus at the area where the sebaceous ducts meet the follicular canal (sebofollicular junction). It is this area that is a thriving breeding ground for the bacteria Cutibacterium Acnes.
Delivering a new antibiotic directly to the target has proven to be 100 times more effective in reaching the target than other methods. Current oral and topical drugs are known to have mixed results, and bacterial resistance can develop with prolonged use.
Using pig ear skin as a model, the scientists "armed" nanoparticle "packages" with NAR (known as Narasin). NAR, a polyester antibiotic, is widely used in agriculture. For example, to prevent the parasitic disease coccidiosis in broiler chickens. Previous studies have shown that it has antiprotozoal, antifungal and antiviral potential.
This is the first time scientists have investigated NAR as a treatment for acne. This, along with a targeted delivery method, reduces the risk of developing drug resistance in C.acnes.