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@article{189046,
        author = {Shweta Ashok Dandawate},
        title = {Development and characterization of ungual drug delivery system},
        journal = {International Journal of Innovative Research in Technology},
        year = {2025},
        volume = {12},
        number = {7},
        pages = {4459-4471},
        issn = {2349-6002},
        url = {https://ijirt.org/article?manuscript=189046},
        abstract = {Ungual drug delivery, commonly referred to as transungual delivery, represents an emerging and specialized therapeutic approach for treating various nail disorders through localized administration of pharmaceuticals directly to the nail plate. The nail plate, composed of densely keratinized structures with exceptional structural integrity, presents unique and complex challenges alongside distinctive opportunities for pharmaceutical delivery. This comprehensive review systematically examines the development, characterization, and clinical application of ungual drug delivery systems (UDDS), with particular emphasis on mechanisms facilitating drug penetration through the nail barrier, diverse permeation enhancement strategies, and expanding therapeutic applications¹. Nail disorders affect millions globally, with fungal infections (onychomycosis) affecting approximately 10-12% of the population, and current systemic treatments frequently result in adverse effects and suboptimal efficacy. Ungual delivery systems overcome inherent anatomical barriers through multiple complementary mechanisms including chemical permeation enhancement using polyethylene glycols and cyclodextrins, physical enhancement through iontophoresis and sonophoresis, and advanced nanotechnology platforms incorporating liposomes and polymeric micelles². Applications extend substantially beyond fungal infections to include nail psoriasis, paronychia, and yellow nail syndrome, representing significant clinical advancement over conventional topical and systemic therapies. This comprehensive review synthesizes current understanding of ungual delivery mechanisms, permeation enhancement approaches, clinical applications, and future perspectives to provide a comprehensive foundation for continued advancement in this specialized pharmaceutical field.},
        keywords = {Ungual delivery, Transungual delivery, Nail drug delivery, Onychomycosis, Permeation enhancement, Nail barrier, Nanoliposomes, Drug penetration, Keratinized tissue, Pharmaceutical formulation},
        month = {December},
        }