In vivo transdermal delivery using a shock tube

A shock tube was utilized for transdermal delivery in fuzzy rats. Rhodamine -B dextran, 10 kDa molecular weight, was used as the probe molecule. Shock waves were generated by a two-stage shock tube. A single shock wave was app lied onto the skin to permeabilize the stratum corneum. Subsequently, the d extran solution diffused through the stratum corneum into the epidermis. Fl uorescence microscopy of biopsies showed that the dextran was delivered to a depth of 30-60 mum into the skin. Thus, the shock tube could become an in expensive device for transdermal drug delivery.