Ultraviolet A irradiation increases the permeation of fullerenes into human and porcine skin from C₆₀-poly(vinylpyrrolidone) aggregate dispersions.

AIM The purpose of this study was to characterise C₆₀-poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) dispersions, to analyse the cutaneous absorption of fullerenes as well as to evaluate whether UVA radiation (UVA-R) could modify its permeation profile. METHODS Dispersions were characterised according to their pH, particle size, zeta potential, and morphology. Skin absorption studies were performed using porcine or human skin under UVA or sham irradiation. RESULTS The C₆₀ aggregate size was 129 ± 54 nm (as determined by nanoparticle tracking analysis) and the zeta potential was -4.93 ± 1.72 mV. The C₆₀ aggregates presented an irregular shape (as measured by transmission electron microscopy) and permeated through human and porcine skin. CONCLUSIONS C₆₀-PVP aggregates were adequately characterised. Human skin was less permeable than porcine skin, and the presence of UVA-R increased the C₆₀ content up to the dermis.