Polysaccharide-Mediated Nanotherapeutics and Microneedle Delivery: A Promising Paradigm for Psoriasis Treatment

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Abstract

Abstract: Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by excessive keratinocyte proliferation and persistent immune activation, resulting in recurrent, debilitating cutaneous lesions. Conventional therapies, including topical agents, systemic drugs, and biologics, are often limited by poor skin penetration, systemic toxicity, frequent dosing, and reduced patient adherence. In recent years, bio-polysaccharide-based nanocarriers have emerged as promising platforms for psoriasis therapy due to their inherent biocompatibility, biodegradability, immunomodulatory properties, and ability to enable controlled drug release. Polysaccharides such as chitosan, alginate, hyaluronic acid, dextran, and fucoidan have demonstrated significant potential to improve drug stability, target inflamed skin, and reduce adverse effects. Furthermore, integrating microneedle technology with polysaccharide-mediated nanotherapeutics offers a transformative approach that physically bypasses the stratum corneum barrier, enabling precise intralesional drug delivery with enhanced bioavailability and minimal pain. This review critically summarizes recent advances in polysaccharide-based nanocarriers and microneedle-assisted drug delivery systems for the treatment of psoriasis. Emphasis is placed on their mechanisms of action, therapeutic advantages over conventional formulations, clinical potential, and future perspectives toward safe, effective, and patient-centric psoriasis management strategies. Lay Summary : Psoriasis is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes red, itchy, and scaly patches, often affecting a person’s quality of life and mental well-being. Current treatments, such as creams, tablets, or injections, can be uncomfortable, require frequent use, and may cause unwanted side effects because the medicine does not always reach the affected skin layers efficiently. Recent advances in drug delivery research have introduced natural materials, such as plant- and marine-derived polysaccharides, which are safe, biodegradable, and skin-friendly. When these materials are combined with nanotechnology and microneedle patches containing tiny, painless needles, medicines can be delivered directly into diseased skin areas. This targeted approach improves treatment effectiveness, reduces drug dose and side effects, and increases patient comfort and adherence. Overall, polysaccharide-based microneedle systems represent a promising, safe, and patient-friendly strategy for improving psoriasis treatment in the future.

Publication Title

Regenerative Engineering and Translational Medicine

ISSN

23644133

DOI

10.1007/s40883-026-00572-8

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