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.