A weak electrical current enhances intracellular delivery of therapeutic substances

Cell membranes have electrical properties which can be measured and modifie d. Administering a weak electrical signal across a tissue is a technique wh ich can be used to determine the quantity of water in the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Using this real-time method of bioelectrical i mpedance, it was found that a variety of stimuli (including an electrical c urrent) can enhance the passage of water and other substances into the cell . We propose an inexpensive and safe technique which could be utilized to e nhance delivery of a wide variety of therapeutic agents into cells for the enhanced delivery of antibiotics, chemotherapy or other therapeutic agents. (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.