Sonophoresis: An Advancement in Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

  Sonophoresis is defined as the application of ultrasound to the skin resulting in enhanced transdermal transport of molecules. The transdermal delivery of biologics-as well as of conventional drugs-is growing in popularity because the technique offers numerous advantages. Needle-free drug delivery generally increases patient compliance. The present paper highlights the recent advancements in the field of sonophoresis, its mechanism and applications. 

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  SONOPHORESIS: AN ADVANCEMENT IN TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

PATIDAR H.C.1*, R. KAPADIA 2, LONKER M. 3 AND BIRLE M. 4

1, Bansal College of Pharmacy, Bhopal, M.P.-India

2, Peoples Institute of Pharmacy and Research Center, Bhopal, M.P.-India

3, Sagar Institute of Research and Technology, Bhopal, M.P.-India

4, GRY Institute of Pharmacy, Khargone, M.P.-India

ABSTRACT

Sonophoresis is defined as the application of ultrasound to the skin resulting in enhanced transdermal transport of molecules. Low frequency sonophoresis or ultrasound is defined as sonophoresis or ultrasound at a frequency that is less than 2.5 MHz, more typically less than 1 MHz, more preferably in the range of 20 to 100 kHz. The transdermal delivery of biologics-as well as of conventional drugs-is growing in popularity because the technique offers numerous advantages. It reduces pain, bio hazardous waste, and risk of infection. Most importantly, needle-free drug delivery generally increases patient compliance. The present paper highlights the recent advancements in the field of sonophoresis, its mechanism and applications.

* Corresponding Author

92 A, Anand Nagar

Navlakha Indore, M.P.-452010

Mob. No. 09827399837

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INTRODUCTION

Sonophoresis is a process that exponentially increases the absorption of topical compounds (transdermal delivery) into the epidermis, dermis and skin appendages. Sonophoresis occurs because ultrasound waves stimulate micro-vibrations within the skin epidermis and increase the overall kinetic energy of molecules making up topical agents. It is widely used in hospitals to deliver drugs through the skin. Pharmacists compound the drugs by mixing them with a coupling agent (gel, cream, ointment) that transfers ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound transducer to the skin. The ultrasound probably enhances drug transport by cavitation, microstreaming, and heating. Sonophoresis is also used in Physical Therapy. In addition to its effects in delivering compounds into the skin, sonophoresis is being investigated as a way of drawing compounds such as glucose out of the skin.. During the AAPS National Biotechnology Conference in Boston, held June 19-21, a session entitled "Transdermal Delivery of Proteins," explored some of the more popular technologies being used today. Among them are iontophoresis, sonophoresis (ultrasound), and microneedles. All of these approaches enhance transdermal drug delivery by increasing skin permeability and allowing the transmission of large molecules. Sonophoresis, or ultrasound, creates holes in the skin, and allows fluids to travel into or out of the body. "When sound is emitted at a particular frequency, the sound waves disrupt the lipid bilayers," said Mitragotri. He pointed out that the ideal ultrasound frequency range for the transdermal delivery of biologics is 50-60 KHz. "The higher the frequency, the more dispersed the transmission,"

Whole 5 pages article is available for download here.