Phonophoresis: efficiency, mechanisms and skin tolerance

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Pharmacology
• Biophysics

Background:

• Phonophoresis (sonophoresis) uses ultrasound to enhance drug absorption through the skin.
• Traditional methods (1-3 MHz ultrasound) show limited effects in humans.
• Recent research explores low frequency ultrasound for macromolecule delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review findings on low and high frequency ultrasound for transdermal administration over the past decade.
• To analyze the roles of thermal, cavitational, and non-cavitational effects on skin barrier reduction.
• To assess biological effects on skin relevant to human tolerance and application.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published in the last ten years.
• Analysis of research on low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) ultrasound.
• Examination of mechanisms affecting skin barrier function and biological responses.

Main Results:

• Low frequency ultrasound shows potential for delivering macromolecules with preserved biological activity.
• Both LF and HF ultrasound impact the skin barrier through thermal and cavitational effects.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for optimizing transdermal delivery.

Conclusions:

• Low frequency ultrasound offers a promising avenue for enhanced transdermal drug delivery, especially for large molecules.
• The interplay of ultrasound parameters and their effects on skin must be carefully considered for safe and effective therapeutic applications.
• Further research is needed to fully elucidate the biological impacts and optimize clinical use.