Transdermal Drug Delivery of 5-Fluorouracil Enhanced by Pretreatment of Electroporation and Lasers

The effect of three lasers, i.e. the ruby, erbium:YAG, and CO2 laser, on the ability to enhance and control skin permeation of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) was studied in vitro. Electroporation of skin to enhance drug permeation is also conducted. Light microscopic and ultrastructural (scanning electron microscopic) changes in the skin were also compared for these lasers and electroporation. The histological observations and permeation profiles of each laser differed since the three lasers produce different physical and physiologic effects when striking the skin. The skin permeation of 5-FU could be moderately promoted by a single photomechanical wave generated by the ruby laser without adversely affecting the viability or structure of the skin. The stratum corneum (SC) layer in the skin was partly ablated by an erbium:YAG laser, resulting in a greater enhancement effect on skin permeation of 5-FU. Both SC ablation and a thermal effect may contribute to the effect of the CO2 laser on skin structure. Lower energies of the CO2 laser may not modulate 5-FU permeation. Histological changes induced by both the erbium:YAG and CO2 lasers had completely recovered within 4 days. A suitable laser can be selected to adjust 5-FU administration for different therapeutic needs.

Project ID:PG9012-0274
External Project ID:DOH91-TD-1106