A Conformable Ultrasound Patch for Cavitation-Enhanced Transdermal Cosmeceutical Delivery

Area of Science:

• Dermatology and Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science and Acoustics

Background:

• Growing consumer demand for effective cosmeceuticals necessitates improved transdermal delivery methods.
• The stratum corneum's barrier function limits the absorption of topical active ingredients.
• Niacinamide is a key cosmeceutical ingredient for skin health and anti-aging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a conformable ultrasound patch (cUSP) for enhanced transdermal absorption.
• To investigate the mechanism of sonophoresis induced by the cUSP.
• To assess the efficacy of the cUSP for niacinamide delivery.

Main Methods:

• Development of a conformable ultrasound patch (cUSP) with embedded piezoelectric transducers.
• Characterization of acoustic fields and cavitation dynamics using multiphysics simulations and high-speed videography.
• In vitro evaluation of niacinamide transdermal transport enhancement in a porcine model.

Main Results:

• The cUSP creates localized cavitation pockets for enhanced transdermal transport.
• A 26.2-fold increase in niacinamide transport was achieved with a 10-minute ultrasound application.
• The device demonstrated suitability for short-exposure, large-area sonophoresis.

Conclusions:

• The conformable ultrasound patch (cUSP) is a safe and effective technology for enhancing transdermal delivery of cosmeceuticals.
• Sonophoresis induced by the cUSP significantly improves niacinamide absorption.
• This technology holds potential for treating skin conditions and combating premature skin aging.