Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration
07:08

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

Published on: July 31, 2013

Studies in drug transport vs. current in iontophoretic onychomycosis treatment

Michael Barsness1, Shawn P Davis, Robert Etheredge

  • 1Transport Pharmaceuticals, Framingham, MA 01540, USA. mbarsness@transportpharma.com

Annual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society. Annual International Conference
|December 8, 2009
PubMed

Insights

This study analyzed an iontophoretic system for onychomycosis treatment. Drug delivery into nail tissue was more efficient than into surrounding tissue with the nail and surrounding tissue applicator.

Area of Science:

  • Dermatology
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) presents treatment challenges.
  • Iontophoresis offers a potential method for targeted drug delivery to nails.
  • Optimizing drug delivery systems is crucial for effective onychomycosis treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze the drug delivery efficiency of an iontophoretic system for onychomycosis.
  • To compare drug delivery into nail versus surrounding tissue using different applicator types.

Main Methods:

  • Phase 1 clinical data analysis of an iontophoretic system.
  • Assays of drug delivery into excised nail and cadaver toe models.
  • Evaluation of drug delivery in relation to current flow and applicator type.

Main Results:

  • Drug delivery levels varied unexpectedly across tissue types relative to dosage.
  • A good correlation was observed between current flow and extracted drug in nail-only application.
  • Drug load per unit dose was significantly more efficient into nail tissue (2.38:1 ratio) compared to surrounding tissue for the combined applicator.

Conclusions:

  • The iontophoretic system demonstrates variable drug delivery depending on applicator and tissue type.
  • The nail-only applicator showed predictable drug delivery correlated with current flow.
  • Targeted delivery to nail tissue is more efficient than to surrounding tissue when using the combined applicator.

More Related Videos

Real-time Iontophoresis with Tetramethylammonium to Quantify Volume Fraction and Tortuosity of Brain Extracellular Space10:45

Real-time Iontophoresis with Tetramethylammonium to Quantify Volume Fraction and Tortuosity of Brain Extracellular Space

Published on: July 24, 2017

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging11:07

Visualizing and Quantifying Pharmaceutical Compounds within Skin using Coherent Raman Scattering Imaging

Published on: November 24, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Pore Transport and Ion-Pair Transport01:17

Pore Transport and Ion-Pair Transport

Pore transport and ion-pair formation are critical mechanisms for the absorption and distribution of drugs in the body.
Pore transport, also known as convective transport, is a process where small molecules like urea, water, and sugars rapidly cross cell membranes as though there were channels or pores in the membrane. Although direct microscopic evidence is limited  but the concept of pores or channels is widely accepted based on physiological evidence. Despite the lack of direct microscopic...
Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ01:09

Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In situ

In situ experiments, such as the Doluisio method and Single-Pass Perfusion technique, provide critical insights into drug uptake by simulating in vivo conditions for drug absorption.
The Doluisio method involves perfusing a prepared segment of a rat's small intestine with a solution of radiolabeled drug and a non-absorbable marker. This helps to differentiate between absorbed and non-absorbed drug concentrations. The intestinal segment is connected at both ends using tubing and syringes,...
Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In vitro01:16

Methods for Studying Drug Absorption: In vitro

In vitro experiments are crucial for understanding the transport and absorption of drugs through biological materials. These studies employ varied methods such as the diffusion cell method, the everted sac technique, and the everted ring technique.
The diffusion cell method uses a two-compartment cell, including a donor compartment with the drug solution, which simulates the environment where the drug is applied, and a receptor compartment with a buffer solution, which simulates the environment...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems01:23

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
Antifungal Agents01:15

Antifungal Agents

Amphotericin B is a broad-spectrum antifungal agent that exploits structural differences between fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Its amphipathic structure—featuring a hydrophobic polyene-lactone ring and a hydrophilic region containing mycosamine and carboxylic acid groups—enables selective binding to ergosterol, a sterol predominantly found in fungal plasma membranes. This selective interaction underlies the drug’s antifungal activity, although weak binding to cholesterol contributes to...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions01:24

Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions

Intermittent intravenous (IV) infusion is a method of drug administration where medications are delivered over short infusion periods followed by intervals of no drug delivery. This approach helps to prevent sustained high drug concentrations in the bloodstream, reducing the risk of adverse effects associated with prolonged exposure. Unlike continuous infusion, steady-state concentrations may not be achieved during a single dosing cycle but can be reached through repeated...