[Transdermal microparticle delivery by a supersonic-Helios gun system]

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Systemic drug absorption is crucial for therapeutic efficacy.
• Conventional drug delivery methods face challenges in efficient systemic uptake.
• Needle-less injection systems offer a promising alternative for transdermal drug delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of particle size and helium gas velocity on indomethacin systemic absorption.
• To assess the efficacy of a novel needle-less injection system for transdermal drug delivery.
• To investigate the influence of supersonic helium flow on drug bioavailability.

Main Methods:

• Poly-L-lactic acid microspheres loaded with indomethacin were fabricated using the o/w solvent evaporation technique.
• A Helios gun system utilized helium gas streams at varying velocities to accelerate microspheres.
• Microspheres were delivered transdermally to the abdominal skin of anesthetized hairless rats.

Main Results:

• Indomethacin delivery into the skin increased proportionally with helium gas pressure (supersonic flow).
• Systemic bioavailability and maximum concentration (Cmax) of indomethacin were dependent on helium pressure.
• The study demonstrated a correlation between gas velocity and drug absorption.

Conclusions:

• The needle-less injection system effectively delivers powdered drugs and microparticulate systems.
• This technology facilitates drug penetration into skin tissues and subsequent systemic circulation.
• Supersonic helium gas flow is a key factor in enhancing transdermal drug absorption.