Transdermal administration via skin appendages enables both localized and systemic drug delivery, as well as minimizes incidental toxicity. However, the design of an appropriate effective method for clinical use remains challenging. Here, we introduce calcium carbonate-based carriers for the transdermal transportation of bioactive substances. The proposed system presents easily manufacturable biodegradable particles with a large surface area enabling a high payload ability. Topical application of submicron porous CaCO 3 particles in rats followed by the therapeutic ultrasound treatment results in their deep penetration through the skin along with plentiful filling of the hair follicles. Exploiting the loading capacity of the porous particles, we demonstrate efficient transportation of a fluorescent marker along the entire depth of the hair follicle down the bulb region. In vivo monitoring of the carrier degradation reveals the active dissolution/ recrystallization of CaCO 3 particles, resulting in their total resorption within 12 days. The proposed particulate system serves as an intrafollicular depot for drug storage and prolonged in situ release over this period. The urinary excretion profile proves the systemic absorption of the fluorescent marker. Hence, the elaborated transdermal delivery system looks promising for medical applications. The drug delivery to different target regions of the hair follicle may contribute to regenerative medicine, immunomodulation, and treatment of various skin disorders. In the meantime, the systemic uptake of the transported drug opens an avenue for prospective delivery routes beyond the scope of dermatology.

A model of multilayered tissue is considered. The Monte Carlo simulation technique is used to study laser beam transport through tissues with varying optical properties for each layer (absorption, scattering, scattering anisotropy factor, and refractive index). Calculations are performed for some models of the human skin and adjacent tissues for visible and UV wavelength ranges. New technology for human epidermis optical parameters determination is presented. This technology includes epidermis upper layers glue stripping; in vitro measurements of total transmission, diffuse reflection, and angular scattering of stripping sampIes; and using an inverse calculation technique based on four-flux approximation of radiation transport theory. The technology was successfully used for depth dependence monitoring of epidermis optical parameters. An inverse Monte Carlo technique for determining the optical properties of tissues based on spectrophotometric measurements is developed. This technique takes into account the 2-D geometry of the experiment, finite sizes of incident beam and integrating sphere ports, boundary conditions, and sideways losses of light.

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The data suggest that the technique has a substantial potential as a method of pre-treatment diagnostics for photochemical and photothermal procedures.

The results of the experimental investigation of autofluorescence spectra of human skin in vivo caused by the UV radiation of the skin and by the external mechanical pressure applied to the skin are presented. These results are compared with results of Monte Carlo modeling of the autofluorescence of the skin with variable blood content. The proposed simple model of the skin gives the possibility of evaluation of changes of the blood and melanin content within the skin. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.