Permeabilization and recovery of the stratum corneum in vivo: The synergy of photomechanical waves and sodium lauryl sulfate

Background and Objective: Photomechanical waves render the stratum corneum permeable and allow macromolecules to diffuse into the epidermis and dermis . The aim of this study was to investigate the combined action of photomech anical waves and sodium lauryl sulfate, an anionic surfactant, for transder mal delivery. Study Design/Materials and Methods: A single photomechanical wave was appli ed to the skin of rats in the presence of sodium lauryl sulfate. The sodium lauryl sulfate solution was removed and aqueous solutions of rhodamine-B d extran (40 kDa molecular weight) were applied to the skin at time points 2, 30, and 60 minutes post-exposure. The presence of rhodamine-B dextran in t he skin was measured by fluorescence emission spectroscopy in vivo and fluo rescence microscopy of frozen biopsies. Results: The use of sodium lauryl sulfate delayed the recovery of the strat um corneum barrier and extended the time available for the diffusion of dex tran through it. Conclusion: The combination of photomechanical waves and surfactants can en hance transdermal drug delivery. (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.