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09:52
Trans-Tympanic Drug Delivery for the Treatment of Ototoxicity
Published on: March 16, 2018
Iontophoretic drug delivery across human nail
S Narasimha Murthy1, Dora E Wiskirchen, Christopher Paul Bowers
1Department of Pharmaceutics, The University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi 38677, USA. murthy@olemiss.edu
Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences
|November 3, 2006
Summary
Iontophoresis, a physical drug delivery method, significantly enhances trans-nail drug transport. This technique shows promise for improving antifungal drug delivery through the nail by overcoming limitations of chemical enhancers.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Trans-nail drug delivery is hindered by physicochemical and physiological barriers.
- Chemical permeation enhancers are commonly used but may have limitations.
- Physical permeation enhancement techniques, effective in transdermal delivery, remain unexplored for trans-nail applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of iontophoresis as a physical permeation enhancement technique for trans-nail drug delivery.
- To evaluate the influence of key parameters (pH, ionic strength, current density) on iontophoretic drug transport across human nail in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Human nail explants were used for in vitro permeation studies.
- Iontophoresis was applied across the nail using salicylic acid (SA) as a model drug.
- The effects of varying pH, ionic strength (50-100 mM), and current density on trans-nail flux were systematically examined.
Main Results:
- Iontophoresis significantly enhanced the trans-nail transport flux of salicylic acid.
- Increased current density directly correlated with increased trans-nail transport flux.
- Optimal ionic strength for current conduction across the nail was observed between 50-100 mM.
- Higher pH values increased the flux enhancement factor due to enhanced ionization of salicylic acid.
Conclusions:
- Iontophoresis is an effective physical method for enhancing trans-nail drug delivery.
- This technique offers a promising alternative to chemical enhancers for improving the delivery of drugs, including antifungals, through the nail.
- Further research into iontophoresis parameters can optimize trans-nail drug delivery strategies.
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