Iontophoretic drug delivery system: a review

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Transdermal drug delivery offers a non-invasive alternative to traditional administration routes.
• Conventional transdermal methods face challenges with large molecules like proteins and peptides.
• Iontophoresis has emerged as a significant advancement in enhancing transdermal permeation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the fundamental principles of iontophoresis for drug delivery.
• To highlight the potential benefits and diverse applications of iontophoretic systems.
• To discuss current research and future directions in iontophoretic drug delivery.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on iontophoresis for transdermal drug delivery.
• Analysis of research focusing on electric current-mediated drug permeation through skin.
• Examination of case studies involving protein and peptide delivery via iontophoresis.

Main Results:

• Iontophoresis demonstrates significant efficacy in enhancing the transdermal delivery of drugs, particularly proteins and peptides.
• The application of electric current effectively facilitates drug passage across the skin barrier.
• Various studies confirm the feasibility and effectiveness of iontophoresis in diverse therapeutic contexts.

Conclusions:

• Iontophoresis is a highly promising technology for advanced transdermal drug delivery.
• Its effectiveness is particularly notable for challenging molecules such as proteins and peptides.
• Continued research into iontophoresis promises further innovation in non-invasive drug administration.