Advancements in Novel Drug Delivery Techniques for Transdermal Drug Therapy: A Systematic Literature Review

Background: Transdermal therapeutic delivery has emerged as a promising substitute for traditional drug administration methods because it offers non-invasive delivery, controlled drug release, reducing presystemic drug metabolism and improving patient acceptance. Despite considerable progress in transdermal technology, the skin continues to pose a significant challenge to drug delivery. The stratum corneum functions as the principal barrier to permeation and limits the successful transport of many therapeutic agents across the skin. Objective: This systematic review aims to critically evaluate recent progress in advanced transdermal delivery platforms, with particular attention to nanocarrierbased systems, stimuli-responsive systems, three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies, and advanced biomaterials, along with their mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and translational challenges. Methods: Literature relevant to transdermal drug delivery was systematically identified using the PRISMA 2020 approach. Electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar, were searched for studies published between January 2020 and December 2024 using predefined keywords related to emerging transdermal delivery technologies. Different Studies were done if they given original research on novel transdermal delivery systems and provided sufficient experimental or clinical evidence. Non-peer-reviewed articles, review papers, studies lacking methodological details, and publications outside the selected time frame were excluded. Results: Advances in nanotechnology have expanded the possibilities of transdermal drug delivery. Lipid-based and polymeric nanoparticle formulations have shown promising outcomes by increasing drug solubility, improving passage through the skin barrier, and sustaining drug release for longer durations. The development of stimulus-sensitive delivery systems has opened new possibilities for targeted therapy. By responding to factors such as pH, temperature, or light, these platforms can provide localized and controlled drug release when required. 3D printing has facilitated the fabrication of personalized transdermal patches with precise dosing and customizable geometries. Biomaterials including hydrogels, microneedles, and biodegradable polymers have further enhanced drug loading capacity and transdermal permeation. Despite these advances, challenges remain regarding long-term safety, regulatory approval, cost-effectiveness, and industrial scalability. Conclusion: Novel transdermal drug delivery systems represent a promising approach for improving therapeutic outcomes for improving the medicinal efficacy of a wide range of medications. The integration of material science, nanotechnology, and biomedical engineering has substantially expanded the capabilities of transdermal therapy. Continued translational and additional clinical investigations are warranted to address current limitations and facilitate the successful commercialization of these advanced advanced delivery technologies for chronic pain therapy, dermatological disorders, metabolic diseases, and other systemic conditions.