Electroporation and iontophoretic for drug delivery across the skin

Abstract

The development of dermal therapeutic systems, primarily aimed at overcoming skin property problems, has increased in recent years, with the stratum corneum representing the main barrier against drug permeation.The interaction of chemical or physical promoters (such as electroporation and iontophoresis) with the skin can increase the influx of drugs.Mechanical, chemical, and electrical techniques have been reported to improve cutaneous permeation.As such, electroporation and iontophoresis represent commonly used techniques.Electroporation is a transitory structural perturbation of the lipid bilayer membranes through the application of high voltage pulses.Its application can be used alone or in combination with iontophoresis to expand the range of drug permeation.The influence of electrical parameters (frequency of pulse, electric field power, etc.) on the physicochemical properties of the drug and of the formulation on the efficacy transport has been well-described in prior literature.However, studies are still warranted in an attempt to assure effectiveness and security when using these techniques.