Effect of penetration enhancers and iontophoresis on the ultrastructure and cholecystokinin-8 permeability through porcine skin

Enhanced topical delivery of finasteride using glyceryl monooleate-based liquid crystalline nanoparticles stabilized by cremophor surfactants

The aim of this study was to investigate the capability of two surfactants, Cremophor RH 40 (RH) and Cremophor EL (EL), to prepare liquid crystalline nanoparticles (LCN) and to study its influence on the topical delivery of finasteride (FNS). FNS-loaded LCN was formulated with the two surfactants and characterized for size distribution, morphology, entrapment efficiency, in vitro drug release, and skin permeation/retention. Influence of FNS-loaded LCN on the conformational changes on porcine skin was also studied using attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Transmission electron microscopical image confirmed the formation of LCN. The average particle size of formulations was in the range of 165.1-208.6 and 153.7-243.0 nm, respectively. The formulations prepared with higher surfactant concentrations showed faster release and significantly increased skin permeation. Specifically, LCN prepared with RH 2.5% presented higher permeation flux (0.100 ± 0.005 μgcm(-2)h(-1)) compared with lower concentration (0.029 ± 0.007 μgcm(-2)h(-1)). Typical spectral bands of lipid matrix of porcine skin were shifted to higher wavenumber, indicating increased degree of disorder of the lipid acyl chains which might cause fluidity increase of stratum corneum. Taken together, Cremophor surfactants exhibited a promising potential to stabilize the LCN and significantly augmented the skin permeation of FNS.

Iontophoresis: a potential emergence of a transdermal drug delivery system

The delivery of drugs into systemic circulation via skin has generated much attention during the last decade. Transdermal therapeutic systems propound controlled release of active ingredients through the skin and into the systemic circulation in a predictive manner. Drugs administered through these systems escape first-pass metabolism and maintain a steady state scenario similar to a continuous intravenous infusion for up to several days. However, the excellent impervious nature of the skin offers the greatest challenge for successful delivery of drug molecules by utilizing the concepts of iontophoresis. The present review deals with the principles and the recent innovations in the field of iontophoretic drug delivery system together with factors affecting the system. This delivery system utilizes electric current as a driving force for permeation of ionic and non-ionic medications. The rationale behind using this technique is to reversibly alter the barrier properties of skin, which could possibly improve the penetration of drugs such as proteins, peptides and other macromolecules to increase the systemic delivery of high molecular weight compounds with controlled input kinetics and minimum inter-subject variability. Although iontophoresis seems to be an ideal candidate to overcome the limitations associated with the delivery of ionic drugs, further extrapolation of this technique is imperative for translational utility and mass human application.

Effect of acyl chain length and unsaturation on physicochemical properties and transfection efficiency of N-acyl-substituted low-molecular-weight chitosan

The effects of acyl chain length and unsaturation on physicochemical characteristics and transfection efficiency of novel nanomicelles of N-acyl-substituted low-molecular-weight chitosan (N-acyl LMWC) were studied. After transfection optimization, 18-carbon chain length grafts were selected, and N-acyl LMWCs were prepared with increasing unsaturation (18:1-18:3 carbon acyl grafts). N-acyl LMWCs were characterized using infrared spectroscopy and elemental analysis. The effect of DNA addition on size and zeta potential of N-acyl LMWCs was determined by dynamic light scattering. N-acyl LMWC-plasmid DNA (pDNA) polyplex stability was confirmed using gel electrophoresis. Transfection efficiency of the derivative polymers was visualized in human embryonic kidney cells using a plasmid encoding green fluorescent protein by confocal fluorescence microscopy and was quantified using therapeutic plasmids encoding for interleukin-4 and interleukin-10. N-acyl LMWCs could form cationic nanomicelles with average hydrodynamic size between 73 and 132 nm. DNA addition to nanomicelles led to minimal increase in the size. N-acyl LMWC-pDNA polyplexes showed excellent stability on storage and could protect DNA from enzymatic degradation. The transfection efficiencies of N-acyl LMWCs with 18:1 and 18:2 grafts were comparable with FuGENE® HD but were approximately eightfold and 35-fold greater as compared with LMWC and naked DNA, respectively.

Role of novel terpenes in transcutaneous permeation of valsartan: effectiveness and mechanism of action

CONTEXT

The greatest obstacle for transdermal delivery is the barrier property of the stratum corneum. Many approaches have been employed to breach the skin barrier; the most widely used one is that of chemical penetration enhancers. Of the penetration enhancers, terpenes are arguably the most highly advanced and proven category.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this investigation was to study effectiveness and mechanism of seven novel terpenes, namely iso-eucalyptol, β-citronellene, valencene, rose oxide, safranal, lavandulol acetate, and prenol, as potential penetration enhancers for improved skin permeation of valsartan through rat skin and human cadaver skin (HCS) with reference to established terpene eucalyptol.

METHODS

Skin permeation studies were carried out using Automated Transdermal Diffusion Cell Sampling System (SFDC 6, LOGAN Instruments Corp., NJ) on rat skin and HCS. The mechanism of skin permeation enhancement of valsartan by terpenes treatment was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermogram, and histopathological examination.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Among all study enhancers, iso-eucalyptol produced the maximum enhancement via rat skin [enhancement ratio (ER) = 7.4] and HCS (ER = 3.60) over control. FT-IR spectra and DSC thermogram of skin treated with aforesaid terpenes indicated that permeation occurred due to the disruption of lipid bilayers. No apparent skin irritation (erythema, edema) was observed on treatment with terpenes except β-citronellene, safranal, lavandulol acetate, and prenol, which caused mild irritation.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the iso-eucalyptol can be successfully used as safe and potential penetration enhancer for enhancement of skin permeation of lipophilic drug such as valsartan.

Electroresponsive Polyacrylamide-grafted-xanthan Hydrogels for Drug Delivery

An electroresponsive drug delivery system was developed using poly(acrylamide-grafted-xanthan gum) (PAAm-g-XG) hydrogel for transdermal delivery of ketoprofen. The electrically sensitive PAAm-g-XG copolymer was synthesized by free radical polymerization under nitrogen atmosphere followed by alkaline hydrolysis. When a swollen PAAm-g-XG hydrogel was placed in between a pair of electrodes, deswelling of the hydrogel was observed in the vicinity of electrodes carrying the electric stimulus. The membrane-controlled drug delivery systems were prepared using drug-loaded PAAm-g-XG hydrogel as the reservoir and crosslinked with poly(vinyl alcohol) to form films as rate controlling membranes (RCM). The in vitro drug permeation study from the formulations was performed through excised rat abdominal skin. Drug permeation across the skin was greatly enhanced in the presence of electric stimulus as compared to passive diffusion and was found to be dependent upon the applied electric current strength and crosslink density of RCM. A pulsated pattern of drug release was observed as the electric stimulus was switched `on' and `off.' The skin histopathology study demonstrated that, after the application of an electrical stimulus, there were changes in the structure of stratum corneum and cell structure. These PAAm-g-XG hydrogel could be useful as transdermal drug delivery systems actuated by an electric signal to provide on-demand release of drugs.

Dual-Channel Two-Photon Microscopy Study of Transdermal Transport in Skin Treated with Low-Frequency Ultrasound and a Chemical Enhancer

Visualization of transdermal permeant pathways is necessary to substantiate model-based conclusions drawn using permeability data. The aim of this investigation was to visualize the transdermal delivery of sulforhodamine B (SRB), a fluorescent hydrophilic permeant, and of rhodamine B hexyl ester (RBHE), a fluorescent hydrophobic permeant, using dual-channel two-photon microscopy (TPM) to better understand the transport pathways and the mechanisms of enhancement in skin treated with low-frequency ultrasound (US) and/or a chemical enhancer (sodium lauryl sulfate--SLS) relative to untreated skin (the control). The results demonstrate that (1) both SRB and RBHE penetrate beyond the stratum corneum and into the viable epidermis only in discrete regions (localized transport regions--LTRs) of US treated and of US/SLS-treated skin, (2) a chemical enhancer is required in the coupling medium during US treatment to obtain two significant levels of increased penetration of SRB and RBHE in US-treated skin relative to untreated skin, and (3) transcellular pathways are present in the LTRs of US treated and of US/SLS-treated skin for SRB and RBHE, and in SLS-treated skin for SRB. In summary, the skin is greatly perturbed in the LTRs of US treated and US/SLS-treated skin with chemical enhancers playing a significant role in US-mediated transdermal drug delivery.

Microemulsions as transdermal drug delivery vehicles

Microemulsions are clear, stable, isotropic mixtures of oil, water, and surfactant, frequently in combination with a cosurfactant. Microemulsions have been intensively studied during the last decades by many scientists and technologists because of their great potential in many food and pharmaceutical applications. The use of microemulsions is advantageous not only due to the facile and low cost preparation, but also because of the improved bioavailability. The increased absorption of drugs in topical applications is attributed to enhancement of penetration through the skin by the carrier. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids serving as an oil phase are frequently used as penetration enhancers. The most popular enhancer is oleic acid. Other permeation enhancers commonly used in transdermal formulations are isopropyl myristate, isopropyl palmitate, triacetin, isostearylic isostearate, R(+)-limonene and medium chain triglycerides. The most popular among the enhancing permeability surfactants are phospholipids that have been shown to enhance drug permeation in a different mode. l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk, l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine 60%, from soybean and dioleylphosphatidyl ethanolamine which are in a fluid state may diffuse into the stratum corneum and enhance dermal and transdermal drug penetration, while distearoylphosphatidyl choline which is in a gel-state has no such capability. Other very commonly used surfactants are Tween 20, Tween 80, Span 20, Azone, Plurol Isostearique and Plurol Oleique. As cosurfactants commonly serve short-chain alkanols such as ethanol and propylene glycol. Long-chain alcohols, especially 1-butanol, are known for their enhancing activity as well. Decanol was found to be an optimum enhancer among other saturated fatty alcohols that were examined (from octanol to myristyl alcohol). Many enhancers are concentration-dependent; therefore, optimal concentration for effective promotion should be determined. The delivery rate is dependent on the type of the drug, the structure and ingredients of the carrier, and on the character of the membrane in use. Each formulation should be examined very carefully, because every membrane alters the mechanism of penetration and can turn an enhancer to a retarder. Various potential mechanisms to enhance drug penetration through the skin include directly affecting the skin and modifying the formulation so the partition, diffusion, or solubility is altered. The combination of several enhancement techniques such as the use of iontophoresis with fatty acids leads to synergetic drug penetration and to decrease in skin toxicity. Selected studies of various microemulsions containing certain drugs including retinoic acid, 5-fluorouracil, triptolide, ascorbic acid, diclofenac, lidocaine, and prilocaine hydrochloride in transdermal formulations are presented in this review. In conclusion, microemulsions were found as an effective vehicle of the solubilization of certain drugs and as protecting medium for the entrapped of drugs from degradation, hydrolysis, and oxidation. It can also provide prolonged release of the drug and prevent irritation despite the toxicity of the drug. Yet, in spite of all the advantages the present formulations lack several key important characteristics such as cosmetic-permitted surfactants, free dilution in water capabilities, stability in the digestive tracts and sufficient solubilization capacity.

Facilitated skin penetration of lidocaine: Combination of a short-term iontophoresis and microemulsion formulation

The objective of this study was to demonstrate the potential of the application of a short-term iontophoresis on the topical delivery of lidocaine hydrochloride from a microemulsion-based system. Five- and 10-min durations of anodal iontophoresis applied onto porcine skin were examined in combination with a microemulsion containing 2.5% lidocaine hydrochloride. A similar combination (10-min iontophoresis with microemulsion in the anodal electrode) was also examined in vivo in a rat model. It was shown in vitro that by combining microemulsion application with a 10-min iontophoresis of 1.13 mA/cm2 electric current density, a significantly increased flux was obtained compared with a combination of aqueous drug solution with the same iontophoresis protocol. In vivo studies revealed that 57.71 +/- 18.65 and 18.43 +/- 9.17 microg cm(-2) were reached in the epidermis and dermis, respectively, at t = 30 min of microemulsion application, when iontophoresis was applied for 10 min. In contrast, the application of aqueous solution-iontophoresis resulted in a relatively lower drug accumulation (21.44 +/- 10.42 and 5.30 +/- 2.25 microg cm(-2) in the epidermis and dermis, respectively, at t = 30) with more rapid clearance of the drug from the skin. Ten-minute application of a low-current electric field on a new topical microemulsion appears to make significant changes in skin permeability. The potential advantages of this procedure include significantly increased flux, accumulation of a large skin drug depot, short lag times, reduced irritation (compared to long-term iontophoresis), simplicity and ease of compliance.

Influence of ultrasound on the percutaneous absorption of ketorolac tromethamine in vitro across rat skin

The influence of ultrasound on percutaneous absorption of ketorolac tromethamine was studied in vitro across rat skin. Sonication was carried out with a continuous mode, at an intensity of 1-3 W/cm2 and a frequency of 1 MHz for 30 min. A significant increase in permeation of ketorolac through rat skin was observed with the applied sonication at 3 W/cm2 when compared with permeation at 1 and 2 W/cm2. Enhanced ketorolac penetration at 3 W/cm2 can be explained by the mechanical and/or thermal action of ultrasound waves. The distance of the ultrasound probe from the skin surface did not influence the flux of the drug. Pretreatment of skin by 5% d-limonene in ethanol for 2 hr followed by sonication at 3 W/cm2 (30 min) significantly enhanced the permeation of ketorolac when compared with passive flux with or without enhancer pretreatment.

Transdermal iontophoresis of insulin: IV. Influence of chemical enhancers

Transdermal iontophoresis per se may not be able to achieve significant permeation of large peptides like insulin, thereby necessitating the use of combination strategies involving chemical enhancers and iontophoresis. The study investigated effect of pre-treatment with commonly used vehicles such as ethanol (EtOH), propylene glycol (PG), water and their binary combinations, dimethyl acetamide (DMA), 10% dimethyl acetamide in water, ethyl acetate (EtAc) and isopropyl myristate (IPM) on insulin iontophoresis. Solvents, which acted on the lipid bilayer, were able to produce a synergistic enhancement with iontophoresis. The binary solvent systems produced either additive or no effect, when combined with iontophoresis. FT-IR studies showed that EtOH, DMA, EtAc caused lipid extraction and the former two also caused changes in skin proteins, whereas IPM caused increase in lipid fluidity. TGA studies showed that EtOH and PG caused dehydration of skin. Skin barrier property was severely compromised with DMA, followed by EtOH and EtAc, while IPM and PG had relatively minimum skin barrier altering potential. Thus, this study demonstrates the possibility of achieving higher permeation of large peptides like insulin by combining iontophoresis with chemical enhancers that act on the intercellular lipids.

Effects of fatty acids and iontophoresis on the delivery of midodrine hydrochloride and the structure of human skin

PURPOSE

The purpose of this work was to investigate if fatty acids can increase the iontophoretic delivery of midodrine hydrochloride through human dermatomed skin and to observe the effects of iontophoresis and fatty acids on skin using SEM.

METHODS

After prehydration for 1 h, human dermatomed skin was treated with 0-0.3 M fatty acids (oleic acid, linoleic acid, decanoic acid, and lauric acid) in propylene glycol (PG) for 1 h. Then the fatty acid solution was replaced by 1% midodrine hydrochloride aqueous solution, and 0.1 mA/cm2 constant current was applied. Samples were taken over 24 h and analyzed by HPLC. After the treatments outlined above, the epidermis was separated, fixed with glutaraldehyde, and dehydrated for SEM.

RESULTS

SEM studies revealed that only 1 h of treatment with fatty acids opened up the tightly compact stratum corneum cell layer, and the permeation study showed a significant increase of the permeability of skin to midodrine hydrochloride after fatty acid treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Using 5% oleic acid pretreatment, with the electrical current offset at 0.1 mA/cm2, the daily delivery of midodrine hydrochloride can provide an adequate clinical application. The enhancement of passive and iontophoretic delivery by fatty acids may be occurring through the same mechanism.

Investigation into the potential of iontophoresis facilitated delivery of ketorolac

The potential for iontophoresis facilitated transdermal transport of ketorolac was investigated using rat skin. Studies of electrical, physicochemical and device-related factors acting on the permeation kinetics of in vitro iontophoresis were performed. Iontophoresis increased the transdermal permeation flux of ketorolac as compared to the diffusion. Increase in applied current density or decrease in ionic strength of the donor solution enhanced the flux of the drug. Use of either platinum or silver/silver chloride electrodes resulted in similar enhancement of drug flux. Continuous current was more potent than pulsed current in promoting ketorolac transdermal permeation. Increasing the frequency or on:off ratio of pulse current induced an enhancement of the flux through the skin. An increase in donor drug loading dose or increasing the duration of current application resulted in enhancement of the drug flux. Pretreatment of the skin with D-limonene in ethanol or D-limonene in ethanol + ultrasound significantly enhanced the iontophoretic flux of the drug in comparison to passive flux with or without pretreatment. Trimodality treatment comprising of pretreatment with D-limonene in ethanol + ultrasound in combination followed by iontophoresis was found to be most potent for enhancing the rate of permeation of ketorolac.

Pretreatment with a water-based surfactant formulation affects transdermal iontophoretic delivery of R-apomorphine in vitro

PURPOSE

To further increase the transdermal transport rate of R-apomorphine, a nonocclusive pretreatment with an aqueous surfactant formulation in combination with iontophoresis was explored in vitro.

METHODS

The human stratum corneum was pretreated nonocclusively with formulations composed of laureth-3 oxyethylene ether (C12EO3), laureth-7 oxyethylene ether (C12EO7), and cholesterol sulfate (CSO4) prior to iontophoresis. The effect on the flux of the following parameters was examined: the composition, the charge, and the applied amount of surfactant formulations.

RESULTS

The iontophoretic flux of R-apomorphine was appreciably increased by pretreatment with surfactant formulations. A formulation containing C12EO3/C12EO7/CSO4 at a molar ratio of 70:30:5 was very stable and increased the iontophoretic flux of R-apomorphine from 92.2 +/- 13.9 nmol/cm2 x h to 181.5 +/- 22.6 nmol/cm2 x h. When further increasing the negative charge of this formulation the iontophoretic transport rate was slightly inhibited. A dose of 40 microL/cm2 of the formulation with a total surfactant concentration of 5% (w/w) was sufficient for a maximum enhancing effect.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obviously show that nonocclusive pretreatment with the surfactant formulation enhances the iontophoretic transport of R-apomorphine, and is a promising approach to achieve therapeutic concentrations of R-apomorphine.

Effect of permeation enhancer pretreatment on the iontophoresis of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) through human epidermal membrane (HEM)

A 2 x 2 factorial design was performed to determine the effect of a permeation enhancer (oleic acid/propylene glycol), iontophoresis (2 V), and the combination of the two treatments on the permeation enhancement of a model peptide, LHRH (luteinizing hormone releasing hormone), through human epidermal membrane (HEM). In parallel studies, TEAB (tetraethylammonium bromide, a small ionic solute) and sucrose (an electroosmotic flow marker) were also investigated. Structural changes in the HEM were monitored via conductance measurements, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and infrared (IR) spectroscopy experiments. LHRH enhancement due to enhancer in combination with iontophoresis (I + E; 29.5 times passive permeability, P), was greater than during iontophoresis alone (I; 14.3) and enhancer treatment alone (E; 3.5). I + E had an additive effect of I and E, indicating the mechanisms of action of the individual enhancement strategies were likely to be located at different sites in the skin. Also, no synergistic enhancement was observed with I + E for either TEAB or sucrose. For TEAB, permeability enhancement due to I (approximately 1400) was much higher than that due to E (14.9), and no additive effect could be detected. For sucrose, E had no effect on either passive or iontophoretic permeability, eliminating the possibility that electroosmosis could explain increases in LHRH permeability. Evidence of synergy between E and I was found, with conductance measurements indicating that I + E synergistically increased the membrane permeability to conducting ions (Na+ and Cl-). It appears these pathways were not available for transport for the solutes used in the current study. DSC and IR investigations showed significant changes in stratum corneum lipid structure following E treatment but not following I. These findings probably arise from the localized action of iontophoresis compared with the bulk action of enhancer. In summary, increased LHRH delivery through HEM in vitro can be achieved using an enhancer in combination with iontophoresis.

Oleic acid, a skin penetration enhancer, affects Langerhans cells and corneocytes

Permeation enhancers (PE) are frequently used in the field of dermal research and for the development of transdermal delivery products. However, their influence on skin epidermal Langerhans cells (LC) has not yet been investigated. In this work we studied the effect of four PE, oleic acid (OA), propylene glycol (PG), ethanol, and diethylene glycol monoethyl ether (DGME), and an iontophoretic treatment on the morphometric parameters of epidermal Langerhans cells (LC). Retinoic acid (RA) was used as a positive control. Test solutions were applied to the footpad of Sabra mice. The area, perimeter, density and shape factor (SF) were the morphometric parameters evaluated following ATPase staining of LC. Application of RA led to a large decrease in cell density (-50.2%, P<0.01) and dendritic shape (19.8%, P<0.01). Treatment with 10% OA in ethanolic solution caused a severe decrease in LC density (-69.0%, P<0.01), accompanied by a decrease in dendricity as measured by the changes in SF. Ethanol had no statistically significant effect on the LC morphologic parameters tested. All other PE had a mild, if any, effect on LC morphology. SEM micrographs of the skin of IOPS hairless rats demonstrated that 24 h in vivo treatment with 10% OA in ethanolic solution resulted in the generation of pores on the surface of epidermal corneocytes.

Transepidermal transport enhancement of insulin by lipid extraction and iontophoresis

PURPOSE

To study the effect of Ethyl acetate (EtAc), 1:1 ratio of EtAc and Ethanol (EtOH) and 2:1 ratio of chloroform (C) and methanol (M) on the extent of lipid extraction from the stratum corneum (SC) and in vitro passive and iontophoretic transport of insulin through porcine epidermis.

METHODS

The porcine epidermis was pretreated for 40 min with the following solvents: 1) EtAc or EtAc:EtOH (1:1) and 2) C:M (2:1), which is a standard solvent combination for lipid extraction. Franz diffusion cells and Scepter iontophoretic power source were used for the transport studies. Cathodal iontophoresis was performed at 0.2 mA/cm2 current density. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) studies were performed to assess the extent of lipid extraction. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and gas chromatography (GC) were used to quantitate the different classes of lipid and identify the composition of the fatty acids, respectively, extracted by solvent(s) treatments.

RESULTS

Insulin flux was found to be significantly (P < 0.05) greater through solvent pretreated epidermis compared to untreated controls during both passive and iontophoretic transport. Pretreatment with EtAc:EtOH (1:1) exhibited an insulin flux of 15.29 x 10(-8) nmoles/ cm2/h compared to 52.71 x 10(-8) nmoles/ cm2/h during passive and iontophoretic transport, respectively. The passive and iontophoretic flux of insulin through EtAc:EtOH (1:1) pretreated epidermis was significantly greater (P < 0.05) than EtAc treated epidermis. The SC treated with solvents showed a decrease in peak areas of C-H stretching absorbances in comparison to untreated SC. A greater percent decrease in peak areas was obtained by EtAc:EtOH(1:1), in comparison to EtAc alone. Epidermal resistance measurements revealed its strong correlation with the amount of lipids present in the epidermis. The lipids extracted consisted of six series of ceramides, fatty acids. triglycerides, cholesterol, cholesterol esters, cholesterol sulfate and phospholipids.

CONCLUSIONS

The SC lipid extraction using suitable solvents followed by iontophoresis can synergistically enhance the transepidermal transport of insulin.

Effect of passive and iontophoretic skin pretreatments with terpenes on the in vitro skin transport of piroxicam

The enhancing effect of several terpenes (thymol, menthone and 1,8-cineole) in the percutaneous permeation of piroxicam (Px), either passive or iontophoretically, was investigated. These terpenes were applied, on the skin membrane, as a passive and iontophoretic skin pretreatment. Px was delivered from carbopol gels containing hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (2% w/w Px). An increase in Px flux values, both passive and iontophoretic after skin pretreatment with 5% terpenes/50% EtOH, was found to be in the following order: thymol>menthone>1,8-cineole. Iontophoretic skin pretreatment with terpenes produced a slight increase in the passive flux of Px, in comparison with the passive skin pretreatment. This result indicated that iontophoresis could modify the skin morphology and consequently, increase the passive transport of Px. However, when Px was transported iontophoretically, passive skin pretreatment with terpenes, produced higher flux values than iontophoretic skin pretreatment. These results could be explained by the fact that with the iontophoretic pretreatment, terpenes could penetrate into the skin and limitate the movement of the ionized species, across the skin, during the iontophoretic experiments. The amount of Px retained in the skin after all experiments was related to flux values across skin.

Lipid extraction and transport of hydrophilic solutes through porcine epidermis

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of delipidization of the stratum corneum (SC) on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of hydrophilic solutes (i.e. water, urea, and inulin). Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was employed to study the extent of delipidization of porcine SC due to chloroform:methanol (2:1) (C:M (2:1)) treatments for various time periods. In vitro percutaneous absorption of [3H] water, [14C] urea, and [3H] inulin were studied through C:M (2:1) treated epidermis in Franz diffusion cells. There was a greater decrease in peak areas of the asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances (i.e. increase in lipid extraction) with increasing exposure times of the SC with C:M (2:1). After 40-min treatment, asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching peak area showed a decrease of 75.9 and 89.9%, respectively. The permeability coefficient of water, urea, and inulin increased with increasing lipid extraction. Enhancement in the permeability coefficient, through 40 min C:M (2:1) treated epidermis in comparison to the control, for water, urea, and inulin was 48.72, 215.65, and 3.90, respectively. Log (permeability coefficient) and log (mol. wt.) for test solutes and leuprolide acetate were found to be inversely related (R(2)=0.9974). In conclusion, this study implies that penetration enhancers that are safe and extract the SC lipids can be selected in order to enhance the percutaneous absorption of polar solutes through the skin.

Effect of menthone on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of tamoxifen and skin reversibility

The effect of penetration enhancer (i.e., 1, 2, 3 and 5% menthone in combination with 50% ethanol (EtOH)) was investigated on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of tamoxifen, and post-recovery epidermal permeability after removal of the above enhancer. The flux of tamoxifen with menthone in combination with 50% EtOH was significantly greater (P<0.05) than the control (50% EtOH). The flux of tamoxifen increased with increasing concentrations of menthone. The post-recovery flux through enhancer exposed epidermis was significantly decreased (P<0.05) as compared to pre-recovery. However, post-recovery flux of tamoxifen through the enhancer-exposed epidermis did not completely recover to the baseline (i.e., post-recovery flux through phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.4 treated epidermis).

Lipid extraction and iontophoretic transport of leuprolide acetate through porcine epidermis

The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of lipid extraction by the simple alkyl acetates of increasing carbon chain lengths (e.g. methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl, pentyl, hexyl, and octyl acetates) and iontophoresis on the in-vitro transport of leuprolide acetate through porcine epidermis. The extent of lipid extraction from the stratum corneum (SC) by alkyl acetates was studied by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Ethyl, propyl, pentyl, hexyl, and octyl acetates significantly increased (P < 0.05) the permeability of leuprolide acetate through the epidermis in comparison to the control (epidermis without alkyl acetate treatment). Iontophoresis further increased (P < 0.05) the permeability of leuprolide acetate for all the alkyl acetates studied, when compared to their corresponding passive permeability. Ethyl acetate produced the maximum passive (13.47 microg/cm(2)/h) and iontophoretic (89.79 microg/cm(2)/h) flux among all the alkyl acetates studied. The SC treated with alkyl acetates showed a decrease in peak heights and areas of asymmetric and symmetric C--H stretching absorbances in comparison to untreated SC. A greater percentage decrease in peak heights and areas was obtained by ethyl acetate. Chloroform:methanol(2:1) [C:M(2:1)] was used as a positive control for lipid extraction. Our findings provide evidence that alkyl acetates cause lipid extraction, which leads to an enhancement in the passive and iontophoretic permeability of leuprolide acetate.

Buccal iontophoretic delivery of atenolol.HCl employing a new in vitro three-chamber permeation cell

The present work showed that the iontophoretic approach was feasible to enhance buccal drug delivery. A new in vitro horizontal three-chamber iontophoretic permeation cell has been developed to reflect the in vivo iontophoretic drug delivery more closely, electrodes were positioned on the epithelial side in separate chambers. Iontophoretic delivery of atenolol.HCl across porcine buccal mucosa increased proportional to (a) increased initial donor concentration in the range of 0.027 M to 0.10 M atenolol.HCl, (b) increased "on time" of current on/off ratio valued 50/50, 75/25 and 90/10 resulting in enhancement ratios 19, 58, and 112 respectively, initially applying 0.10 M atenolol.HCl and (c) increased current density valued 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 mA/cm(2) obtaining enhancement ratios 6, 18, 36, and 58 respectively, initially applying 0.10 M atenolol.HCl. Microscopy of hematoxyilin-eosin stained sections of porcine buccal mucosae conducting 8-h passive permeation showed minute morphological alterations whereas 8-h iontophoretic treatment showed disordering of the outer epithelial cell layers, alterations being more pronounced in mucosae from reference chambers than donor chambers. The results demonstrated the feasibility of the iontophoretic approach to enhance and control the rate of buccal drug delivery, hence the usefulness of the new permeation cell.

Synergistic effect of enhancers for transdermal drug delivery

Transdermal drug delivery offers a non-invasive route of drug administration, although its applications are limited by low skin permeability. Various enhancers including iontophoresis, chemicals, ultrasound, and electroporation have been shown to enhance transdermal drug transport. Although all these methods have been individually shown to enhance transdermal drug transport, their combinations have often been found to enhance transdermal transport more effectively than each of them alone. This paper summarizes literature studies on these combinations with respect to their efficacy and mechanisms.

Effect of saline iontophoresis on skin barrier function and cutaneous irritation in four ethnic groups

The effect of saline iontophoresis on skin barrier function and irritation was investigated in four ethnic groups (Caucasians, Hispanics, Blacks and Asians). Forty healthy human volunteers were recruited according to specific entry criteria. Ten subjects, five males and five females, were assigned to each ethnic group. Skin barrier function was examined after 4 hours of saline iontophoresis at a current density of 0.2 mA/cm(2) on a 6.5 cm(2) area in terms of the measured responses: transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin capacitance, skin temperature and visual scores. There were significant differences in TEWL among the ethnic groups prior to patch application. TEWL at baseline in ethnic groups was in the rank order: Caucasian>Asian>Hispanic>Black. Iontophoresis was generally well tolerated, and skin barrier function was not irreversibly affected by iontophoresis in any group. There was no significant skin temperature change, compared to baseline, in any ethnic groups at any observation point. Edema was not observed. At patch removal, the erythema score was elevated in comparison to baseline in all ethnic groups; erythema resolved within 24 hours. Thus, saline iontophoresis produced reversible changes in skin barrier function and irritation in healthy human subjects.

Mechanism(s) of in vitro percutaneous absorption enhancement of tamoxifen by enhancers

The effects of enhancers (5% terpenes; i.e., eugenol, limonene, and menthone) in combination with 50% propylene glycol in water (50% PG) on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of tamoxifen through the porcine epidermis, on biophysical changes in the stratum corneum (SC) lipids, on macroscopic barrier properties, and on binding of the drug to the SC were investigated. These enhancers in combination with 50% PG significantly increased (p<0.05) the permeability coefficient of tamoxifen in comparison with that of the control (50% PG in water). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to investigate the biophysical changes in the SC lipids. The FT-IR results showed that treatment of the SC with 5% terpenes/50% PG did not shift the asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances peak positions to higher wavenumbers but resulted in a decrease in the peak heights and areas in comparison with the untreated SC. Treatment with menthone and limonene in combination with 50% PG significantly increased (p<0.05) the partition coefficient of tamoxifen in comparison with treatment with 50% PG alone. Also, exposure of the SC to 5% terpenes in combination with 50% PG significantly increased (p < 0.05) the in vitro transepidermal water loss (TEWL) in comparison with 50% PG alone. Thus, an enhancement by menthone, eugenol, and limonene in the permeability of the SC to tamoxifen is due to lipid extraction and macroscopic barrier perturbation. Moreover, the effective diffusion coefficient of tamoxifen through the epidermis was enhanced following the treatment with either 5% eugenol/50%PG or 5% limonene/50%PG compared with 50%PG alone.

Influence of lipids on the mannitol flux during transdermal iontophoresis in vitro

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of the lipids EPC (L-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, egg lecithin), DSPC (distearoylphosphatidylcholine), and SA (stearylamine) on the iontophoretic mannitol transport through human skin in vitro. The skin was pretreated with 1 mM lipid suspension with ethanol (32%) for 24 h prior to the iontophoretic experiment with mannitol. In addition, the penetration of fluorescent lipids into the epidermis during the pretreatment was studied by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). The results of the present study show that pretreatment of the skin with zwitterionic EPC increases the iontophoretic transdermal mannitol flux about three-fold compared to iontophoretic control without pretreatment. However, skin pretreatment with another zwitterionic phospholipid, DSPC, did not influence the iontophoretic flux of mannitol. In contrast, pretreatment of the skin with cationic SA decreased the iontophoretic mannitol flow from the anode. It is concluded that EPC works as a penetration enhancer further increasing the transdermal mannitol flux during iontophoresis. In contrast, the cationic stearylamine changes the charge of the skin, thus leading to decreased electroosmosis and decreased mannitol flux. Hence, the effects of stearylamine are assumed to be mediated by the alterations in the charge of the stratum corneum structures, while EPC is suggested to decrease the permeability barrier of the skin.

In vitro percutaneous absorption enhancement of propranolol hydrochloride through porcine epidermis by terpenes/ethanol

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism(s) of percutaneous absorption enhancement of propranolol hydrochloride (PHCL) across porcine epidermis by terpenes (e.g. menthone and limonene) in combination with ethanol. The in vitro percutaneous absorption experiments were performed using Franz diffusion cells. The solubility of PHCL in control and enhancer solutions was determined through high-performance liquid chromatography. Partitioning of PHCL to powdered SC from control or enhancer solutions was also determined in order to investigate the binding of PHCL to the SC from the SC/enhancer system. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to study the biophysical changes in stratum corneum (SC) lipids. The in vitro macroscopic barrier properties were investigated by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) using Tewameter. Five percent menthone or limonene in combination with ethanol (EtOH) (menthone/EtOH or limonene/EtOH) significantly increased (P<0.05) the flux of PHCL through porcine epidermis in comparison to the control (EtOH). The partitioning of PHCL to the SC from the SC/enhancer system was also significantly greater than the SC/control system. The above enhancers showed a decrease in the peak heights and areas for both asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances in comparison with the untreated SC, indicating the SC lipids extraction. Menthone/EtOH and limonene/EtOH enhanced (P<0.05) the in vitro TEWL through the epidermis in comparison to the control. Thus, an enhancement in the flux of PHCL by menthone/EtOH and limonene/EtOH is due to SC lipid extraction, macroscopic barrier perturbation, and improvement in the partitioning of the drug to the SC.

The pretreatment effect of chemical skin penetration enhancers in transdermal drug delivery using iontophoresis

The transdermal drug delivery (TDD) system has largely been divided into physical, biochemical and chemical methods. Recently, combinations of these methods were introduced for more effective delivery with less side effects. We performed this study to identify the effectiveness and mechanism of TDD using the physical method, 'iontophoresis', plus the chemical method, 'pretreatment with chemical enhancer'. The action sites of chemical enhancers in the stratum corneum (SC) were observed by electron microscope. We also studied whether this combined method synergistically impaired the skin barrier. To confirm the synergistic effect on skin penetration by this combined method, we measured the blood glucose level after insulin iontophoresis following a chemical enhancer pretreatment in rabbits. The results were that (1) dilatation of the intercellular lipid layers of the SC and lacunae was prominent in pretreatment with chemical enhancers inducing high transepidermal water loss (TEWL); (2) the skin barrier impairment, with repeated treatments showing an increased TEWL and also epidermal proliferation, was increased with the chemical enhancers that showed a high TEWL immediately after treatment; (3) the combination of chemical enhancer pretreatment and iontophoresis showed no synergistic impairment of the skin barrier, and (4) the chemical enhancer pretreatment with greater impairment of the skin barrier could increase the delivery of insulin by iontophoresis. The results showed that a combination of chemical enhancer pretreatment and iontophoresis could deliver drugs more effectively than iontophoresis alone. Our proposed theory is that iontophoretic drug delivery may be easier through the dilated intercellular spaces of the SC which have a lower electrical impedance following the chemical enhancer pretreatment. Because the effect and the side effects in the combination are decided by the chemical enhancer rather than iontophoresis, the development of proper chemical enhancers is important in future plans.

Transdermal water mobility in the presence of electrical fields using MR microscopy

Magnetic resonance microscopy of skin from hairless rats under the influence of electrical fields was conducted for two cases: 1) low voltage constant electrical fields and 2) high-voltage short pulse, electrical fields. Under conditions of the low voltage and low current iontophoresis, i.e., 0 to 20 V, and 0 to 0.5 mA/cm2, it was found that the skin structure, as observed by magnetic resonance microscopy, did not significantly change until 20 Volts were applied across the 0.1 cm thick skin. Under these conditions, the viable epidermis appeared to swell, and this result corresponded to observations from scanning electron microscopy and other research from the literature. High voltage electrical fields, i.e., 220 V 1 ms pulses repeated once per second, appeared to hydrate the stratum corneum as is consistent with published literature on electroporation. In the case of iontophoresis, water self-diffusion coefficients in the epidermis and hair follicle regions at all voltages were affected by the electrical field. Statistical analysis at the 95% confidence level for the comparison of the average differences between diffusion coefficients with the electrical field on and with the electrical field off for pair matched pixels for the viable epidermis show that for 5 V (p = 0.00377), 10 V (p = 0.0108), 20 V (p = 0.0219) regimes there are statistically significant (p < or = 0.05) changes due to the applied electric field. The same analysis for the hair follicle region at 5 V (p = 6.89 x 10(-7)), 10 V (p = 1.42 x 10(-5)), 20 V (p = 3.23 x 10(-3)) also show statistically significant changes (p < or = 0.05). When the electroporation pulse was applied, the water diffusion coefficients increased by about 30% to 6.6 x 10(-6) cm2/s +/- 2.4 x 10(-7) cm2/s and 8.3 x 10(-6) cm2/s +/- 3.7 x 10(-7) cm2/s, for the epidermis and hair follicle regions, respectively. Significant differences were noted between diffusion coefficients in the viable epidermis and the hair follicles for all cases.

Iontophoretic transdermal delivery of salicylic acid dissolved in ethanol-water mixture in rats

The usefulness of iontophoresis is restricted to highly water-soluble compounds, since drugs are generally applied as an aqueous solution in a drug electrode. In the present study, salicylic acid (SA) dissolved in ethanol-water mixture was loaded in a drug electrode, and the effect of ethanol on the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of SA was evaluated. Ethanol at a concentration of 10 or 30% showed no significant effect on the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of SA compared to that in the absence of ethanol, but 40 or 70% ethanol increased it significantly. The current density passing through in vivo during iontophoretic treatment decreased with increase in ethanol concentrations. These results suggested that the enhanced transdermal absorption of SA iontophoretically by the presence of ethanol in a drug solution is not due to the increased current density in vivo, but probably due to the direct action of ethanol on the stratum corneum. In conclusion, addition of ethanol to a drug solution at an appropriate concentration was proved to enhance the iontophoretic transdermal delivery of SA. A mixture of ethanol and water can dissolve many poorly water-soluble drugs, and therefore it would be able to expand the application of iontophoresis to include many drugs that are poorly soluble in water.

Iontophoresis and electroporation: comparisons and contrasts

The techniques of iontophoresis and electroporation can be used to enhance topical and transdermal drug delivery. Iontophoresis applies a small low voltage (typically 10 V or less) continuous constant current (typically 0.5 mA/cm2 or less) to push a charged drug into skin or other tissue. In contrast, electroporation applies a high voltage (typically, ?100 V) pulse for a very short (micros-ms) duration to permeabilize the skin. This electric assistance of drug delivery across skin will expand the scope of transdermal delivery to hydrophilic macromolecules such as the drugs of biotechnology. These two techniques differ in several aspects such as the mode of application and pathways of transport but can be used together for effective drug delivery. Iontophoresis is already used clinically in physical therapy clinics and is close to commercialization for development of a systemic delivery patch with miniaturized circuits and similar in overall size to a passive patch. The use of electroporation for drug delivery is relatively new and is being actively researched.

Mechanism of transport enhancement of LHRH through porcine epidermis by terpenes and iontophoresis: permeability and lipid extraction studies

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of 5% terpenes (i.e., limonene, carvone, thymol, and cineole)/ethanol (EtOH) and iontophoresis on the in vitro permeability of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) through the porcine epidermis and biophysical changes in the stratum comeum (SC) lipids by fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Methods. The porcine epidermis was pretreated with enhancer for 2 h. The permeability measurement system included Franz diffusion cells, Ag/AgCl electrodes, and SCEPTOR iontophoretic power source. FT-IR spectroscopy was performed to assess the possible contribution of lipid extraction to the transport enhancement of LHRH.

RESULTS

Terpenes in combination with EtOH significantly (p < 0.05) increased the flux of LHRH in comparison with the control (epidermis which was not enhancer treated). Iontophoresis further enhanced (p < 0.05) the flux of LHRH through terpenes/EtOH treated epidermis in comparison with their passive permeability. Reversibility studies showed that the post-recovery passive flux of LHRH through 5% limonene in EtOH/iontophoresis treated epidermis was significantly (p < 0.05) decreased but did not significantly recover to the baseline flux (i.e., flux through control epidermis). The SC treated with terpenes/ EtOH showed a decrease in peak heights and areas for both asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances in comparison to untreated SC. A greater percent decrease in peak heights and areas was obtained by limonene/EtOH. However, treatment of the SC with terpenes/EtOH followed by iontophoresis did not further decrease the percentage of peak height and area over and above terpene/EtOH suggesting that iontophoresis alone does not cause SC lipid extraction.

CONCLUSIONS

Terpenes/EtOH increased LHRH permeability by enhancing the extraction of the SC lipids. Iontophoresis synergistically enhanced the permeability of LHRH through terpenes/EtOH treated epidermis. Thus, terpenes can be used as chemical enhancers in combination with iontophoresis to enhance the transdermal delivery of peptides such as LHRH.

Mechanisms of percutaneous absorption of tamoxifen by terpenes: eugenol, D-limonene and menthone

The effect of chemical penetration enhancers (e.g., eugenol, d-limonene and menthone in combination with 50% ethanol) on the in vitro percutaneous absorption of tamoxifen through porcine epidermis has been investigated. The above enhancers significantly increased (p<0.05) the permeability coefficient of tamoxifen in comparison with the control (50% ethanol). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) was employed to investigate the biophysical changes in the stratum corneum (SC) lipids by the enhancer(s). FT-IR results showed that the treatment of the SC with enhancers did not produce a blue shift in the asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching peak positions. However, all of the above enhancers showed a decrease in peak heights and areas for both asymmetric and symmetric C-H stretching absorbances in comparison with the untreated SC. A decrease in peak heights and areas is a measure of lipid extraction. Partitioning of tamoxifen to powdered SC from control and enhancer solutions was also determined. FT-IR and partitioning studies reveal that the enhancement in the permeability coefficient of tamoxifen by eugenol and d-limonene is due to lipid extraction and improvement in the partitioning of the drug to the SC. However, menthone enhanced the permeability of tamoxifen by increasing extraction of the SC lipids and not by improving the partitioning of the drug to the SC.

Synergistic effect of iontophoresis and a series of fatty acids on LHRH permeability through porcine skin

The effect of chemical penetration enhancers (e.g., fatty acids) in combination with iontophoresis was examined on the in vitro permeability of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) through porcine skin. Porcine epidermis was pretreated with either ethanol (EtOH) or 10% fatty acid/EtOH. The permeability coefficient of LHRH was significantly (p < 0.05) greater through EtOH, lauric acid/EtOH, palmitic acid/EtOH, oleic acid/EtOH, linoleic acid/EtOH, and linolenic acid/EtOH treated epidermis than the control (untreated epidermis). Iontophoresis further enhanced the permeability of LHRH (p < 0.05) through enhancer-pretreated epidermis in comparison with corresponding passive permeability. Among saturated fatty acids tested, 10% palmitic acid/iontophoresis showed the highest permeability coefficient [(59.52 +/- 2.40) x 10(-4) cm/h], which was approximately 16-fold higher than that of the control [(3.57 +/- 0.41) x 10(-4) cm/h]. Unsaturated cis-octadecenoic acids were more effective penetration enhancers when compared with octadecanoic acid. Among cis-octadecenoic acids in combination with EtOH, the greater iontophoretic permeability coefficient [(59.18 +/- 12.43) x 10(-4) cm/h] was obtained through linolenic acid treated epidermis, which was significantly greater (p < 0.05) than through saturated octadecanoic acid treated epidermis [(29.08 +/- 3.18) x 10(-4) cm/h]. Also, pretreatment of epidermis with 5% linolenic acid/propylene glycol (PG) resulted in greater (p < 0.05) iontophoretic flux of LHRH in comparison to 5% linolenic acid/EtOH. Furthermore, increases in the degree of unsaturation in octadecenoic acids did not produce corresponding increases in the degree of enhancement. Reversibility studies revealed that the postrecovery passive flux of LHRH through 5% linolenic acid in combination with EtOH or PG/iontophoresis treated epidermis was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced than the prerecovery value but could not completely recover to the baseline flux (i.e., flux of LHRH through untreated epidermis).