Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2025

Assembly and Operation of an Acoustofluidic Device for Enhanced Delivery of Molecular Compounds to Cells
Published on: January 21, 2021
Low-Frequency Sonophoresis: A Promising Strategy for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery
Divya Marathe1, Vasudeva Sampriya Bhuvanashree1, Chetan Hasmukh Mehta1
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India.
Abstract:
Sonophoresis is the most approachable mode of transdermal drug delivery system, wherein low-frequency sonophoresis penetrates the drug molecules into the skin. It is an alternative method for an oral system of drug delivery and hypodermal injections. The cavitation effect is thought to be the main mechanism used in sonophoresis. The cavitation process involves forming a gaseous bubble and its rupture, induced in the coupled medium. Other mechanisms used are thermal effects, convectional effects, and mechanical effects. It mainly applies to transporting hydrophilic drugs, macromolecules, gene delivery, and vaccine delivery. It is also used in carrier-mediated delivery in the form of micelles, liposomes, and dendrimers. Some synergistic effects of sonophoresis, along with some permeation enhancers, such as chemical enhancers, iontophoresis, electroporation, and microneedles, increased the effectiveness of drug penetration. Sonophoresis-mediated ocular drug delivery, nail drug delivery, gene delivery to the brain, sports medicine, and sonothrombolysis are also widely used. In conclusion, while sonophoresis offers promising applications in diverse fields, further research is essential to comprehensively elucidate the biophysical mechanisms governing ultrasound-tissue interactions. Addressing these gaps in understanding will enable the refinement and optimization of sonophoresis-based therapeutic strategies for enhanced clinical efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
Non-Oral Extravascular Drug Absorption Routes
Lipophilic drugs that are stable at salivary pH (6) and exhibit minimal binding to the oral mucosa are absorbed more...
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Drug Delivery: Overview
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Passive Diffusion: Overview and Kinetics
When administered orally, drugs establish a substantial concentration gradient between the gastrointestinal (GI) lumen and the bloodstream, expediting...
Pore Transport and Ion-Pair Transport
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...

