Emerging Technologies in Transdermal Therapeutics

Abstract

Until very recently, the only drugs that could permeate transdermally were those possessing a very narrow and specific combination of physicochemical properties. However, rapid advances in bioengineering have led to the emergence of various new "active" enhancement technologies designed to transiently circumvent the barrier function of the stratum corneum. These novel systems, using iontophoresis, sonophoresis, electroporation, or microneedle arrays, will greatly expand the range of drugs that can be delivered transdermally. Crucially, the delivery of macromolecules will become possible and the transdermal flux of other molecules could be enhanced by several orders of magnitude. This article sequentially reviews the basis of each of the new enhancement techniques and discusses how these emerging technologies will influence transdermal therapy in the coming years.

Vehicle Composition Influence on the Microneedle-Enhanced Transdermal Flux of Naltrexone Hydrochloride

“…This is expected to be true only if transport across skin is occurring through the intercellular lipid domain of SC and there is no effect of the solvent used on the barrier properties of SC. In general, parameters such as molecular weight below 500 Da, logP around 2 and low melting point are often evoked as favorable physicochemical characteristics of a drug intended for transdermal delivery (40)(41)(42).…”

In vitro 5-Lipoxygenase and Anti-Oxidant Activities of South African Medicinal Plants Commonly Used Topically for Skin Diseases

“…Moreover, optimistic expectations of dermal and transdermal drug delivery (TDD) were often thwarted by many pitfalls inherent to this science. Most notably, the outermost nonviable layer of the epidermis, the stratum corneum, has proved particularly resistant to TDD due to its lipid bilayer architectural design [13,14] . As a result, this places a major limitation on the physicochemical profile displayed by compounds which qualify as candidates for TDD.…”

Immediate Effect of Kinesio-Taping on Cervical Lateral Flexion Range of Motion in Subjects With Myofascial Trigger Point in Upper Trapezius Muscle

“…It is proposed that KT stimulates Aβ mechanoreceptors with slow threshold and increase afferent signals to high levels of central nervous system and finally blocks the pain receptors (Aδ and C fibers) result in nerve depolarization and inhibition of pain-spasm circle [30]. Another theory is that KT increases circulation and improves pain intensity [31].…”