Transdermal delivery of FITC-Dextrans with different molecular weights using radiofrequency microporation

BACKGROUND: Transdermal delivery is of great importance for the effective delivery of bioactive or therapeutic agents into a body. The microporation device based on radiofrequency can be used to enhance delivery efficiency by removing the epidermis layer. METHODS: The micropores were developed on pig skin and human cadaver skin with dermal and epidermal layers by the microporation device. The regeneration of micropores in the human cadaver skin caused by microporation was confirmed using an optical microscope and haematoxylin/eosin (H&E) staining. The permeability of fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextrans (FITC-dextrans) with different molecular weights through the pig and human cadaver skins were measured using Franz diffusion cell. RESULTS: The optical image and histological analysis confirmed that the micropores on the skin were recovered over time. The enhanced permeability through micropores was confirmed by Franz diffusion cell. The lower molecular weight of FITC-dextran permeated more on both human and pig skin. In addition, the permeation rate was higher in pig skin than in human skin. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the microporation device can be used as a potential technique for effective transdermal drug delivery.