Percutaneous permeation, distribution and absorption of quantum dots

Quantum dots are one of the most developing semiconductor fluorescent nanoparticles, which are widely used in biomedical sciences. Their nano size, large surface area, biocompatibility, unique optical and physicochemical properties are appropriate for a various purposes including treatment, drug delivery, sensing, imaging and diagnosis. Till date, several researches performed on the properties and applications of quantum dots but there is very little evidence about their route of administration. In general, quantum dots are administered in the biological system through intravenous, intramuscular, and inhalation routes, but there is very little evidence of the percutaneous permeation of quantum dots, which limits their use in skin diseases. Drug delivery through the skin is a preferable route for the treatment of skin disease because it is non-invasive, avoid the first-pass metabolism effect, prevents the drug from enzymatic degradation, and provides targeted or sustainable release. Therefore, this review focuses on quantum dots and their percutaneous absorption within the skin. This study summarizes the percutaneous permeation and distribution of quantum dots via different pathways. It also includes available relevant articles that provide a new aspect to quantum dots and their delivery in the skin to facilitate medication therapy for several skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, inflammation, infections, wound healing, skin cancer, and cosmetology. • New route of administration for quantum dots. • Recent advancement of QDs in skin penetration pathway. • Explore safer QDs apart from heavy metal based QDs for skin application. • Offer insights of the QDs potential in topical or transdermal therapy for skin diseases.