Related Experiment Videos
Ultrasound-enhanced transdermal transport
Gustavo Merino1, Yogeshvar N Kalia, Richard H Guy
1School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Sciences, University of Geneva, 30 quai E-Ansermet, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland.
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|May 23, 2003
Summary
Low-frequency ultrasound significantly enhances transdermal transport, improving substance delivery into and out of the skin. Further research is needed to fully define the underlying mechanisms, likely involving cavitation and thermal effects.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Dermatology
- Acoustics
Background:
- Ultrasound has diverse medical applications.
- Transdermal transport is crucial for drug delivery and diagnostics.
- Understanding ultrasound's effect on skin penetration is key.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the enhancement of transdermal transport using ultrasound.
- To examine the effects of different ultrasound frequencies on skin transport.
- To explore the mechanisms behind ultrasound-mediated transdermal delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of ultrasound physics and medical applications.
- Analysis of studies investigating high- and low-frequency ultrasound effects on skin.
- Examination of proposed mechanisms like cavitation and thermal effects.
Main Results:
- Low-frequency ultrasound (sonophoresis) significantly increases transdermal transport.
- Substances show enhanced movement into and out of the skin with low-frequency ultrasound.
- High-frequency ultrasound effects on transdermal transport are less pronounced.
Conclusions:
- Low-frequency sonophoresis is a promising method for enhancing transdermal transport.
- Cavitation and thermal processes are strongly implicated in ultrasound-enhanced skin penetration.
- Further investigation is required to fully elucidate the mechanisms of action.