Batches of STARs Biodegradable STAR particles made from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA) and polylactic acid (PLA), and non-degradable titania particles. (Courtesy: CC BY 4.0/ Adv. Heathcare. Mater. 10.1002/adhm.71569)"> Batches of STARs Biodegradable STAR particles made from poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), cellulose acetate (CA) and polylactic acid (PLA), and non-degradable titania particles. (Courtesy: CC BY 4.0/ Adv. Heathcare. Mater. 10.1002/adhm.71569)

Delivering drugs directly to the skin provides a targeted means of treating dermatological conditions while minimizing side effects. The approach is limited, however, by the stratum corneum – the skin’s outer layer – which acts as a barrier that can restrict the effectiveness of most topically applied drugs.…