Recent Advances in Transdermal Drug Delivery System

 

 

Nikhil Patel*, Chetan Patel, Savan Vachhani, ST Prajapati and CN Patel

Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Shri Sarvajanik Pharmacy College, Near Arvind Baug, Mehsana-384 001, India

 

 

ABSTRACT:

Human skin serves a protective function by imposing physicochemical limitations. For a drug to be delivered passively via the skin it needs to have a suitable lipophilicity and a molecular weight < 500 Da. The number of commercially available products based on transdermal or dermal delivery has been limited by these requirements. In recent years various passive and active strategies have emerged to optimize delivery. The passive approach entails the optimization of formulation or drug carrying vehicle to increase skin permeability. However, passive methods do not greatly improve the permeation of drugs with molecular weights >500 Da. In contrast, active methods, normally involving physical or mechanical methods of enhancing delivery, have been shown to be generally superior. The delivery of drugs of differing lipophilicity and molecular weight, including proteins, peptides and oligonucletides, has been shown to be improved by active methods such as iontophoresis, electroporation, mechanical perturbation and other energy-related techniques such as ultrasound and needleless injection

 

 

KEYWORDS: Techniques for transdermal delivery, microneedle, radiofrequency drug delivery system, iontophoresis.

 

 

INTRODUCTION:

The potential of transdermal drug delivery systems has been demonstrated in recent years with the approval of several medicines for use by patients who are unable to use conventional dosage routes, like oral administration or injection. To enhance the TDDS (Transdermal Drug Delivery System) potential to include other drug candidates, many researchers have been exploring enhancement approaches to increase the permeability of various drugs through the skin. One classic method, chemical enhancers, is of practical use in some formulations that are available in the market. On top of these, recently, physical enhancement systems are being reported as having more potential by many researchers. In particular, iontophoresis is a very attractive way of delivering ionized drugs by the application of an electric field to the skin. This has been marketed with some topical and systemic drugs (lidocaine and fentanyl). Sonophoresis is also an attractive method to deliver a drug through the skin using ultrasound. Besides these technologies, various physical approaches are under study. Such technologies can be expected to deliver not only small MW compounds but also macromolecules like peptides. In this session, after looking back through the history of TDDS development,

 

SKIN AS A BARRIER:2

As reviewed in the previous chapter, one of the major limitation to successful transdermal drug delivery stem from the skin itself and its property of being an excellent physical barrier. While transdermal patches, passive or physically assisted, are limited by the dense tissue to deliver molecules of a certain size, methods that circumvent the skin barrier (i.e. ablative methods, jet injectors or microneedles) are not restricted by the size of the drug molecule. .


Nevertheless, the barrier property of the skin poses a challenge for these methods as well; less from an intercellular or chemical point of view, but instead from a mechanical perspective

 

SKIN ANATOMY:2

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and has several functions. It is a physical barrier towards the environment, it regulates body temperature and fluid loss, it conveys sensory information to the nervous system, and it processes immunologic information to the immune system. The skin can be divided into three main layers: the superficial epidermis, dermis and hypodermis (Figure 1).

 

Figure1. Anatomy of skin

Figure 2: Iontophoresis

 

IONTIPHORESIS:3

Iontophoresis is the ability of an electric current to cause charges particles to move (Figure 2). Iontophoresis delivers medication transdermally (both locally and systemically) using electric current to ionize drug molecules and propel them through the skin. In a patch form, two adjacent electrodes set up an electrical potential to drive charged compounds through the skin. This is particularly important for the transdermal delivery of peptides and oligonucleotides, due to the polar groups associated with these molecules. The real attraction of iontophoresis is that is does not rely on a concentration gradient and is not affected by individual differences in skin permeability. The technology also has the potential to deliver pulses, for example, hormonal treatments, simply by switching the current on or off. Iontophoresis is used for treatment in the areas of pain management and rehabilitation, administration of medications to treat numerous conditions including diabetes, reduction of excessive bodily perspiration, and throughout the cosmetic industry. Iontophoresis products are positioned to make a significant impact in selected therapeutic areas. New wearable designs that are user-friendly and conform to the user’s physique are improving outcomes in pain management. Prefilled disposable devices are user-friendly and improve compliance.

 

TYPES OF TRANSDERMAL PATCH:4,14

1. SINGLE-LAYER DRUG-IN-ADHESIVE:

The adhesive layer of this system also contains the drug. In this type of patch the adhesive layer not only serves to adhere the various layers together, along with the entire system to the skin, but is also responsible for the releasing of the drug. The adhesive layer is surrounded by a temporary liner and a backing.

 

2. MULTI-LAYER DRUG-IN-ADHESIVE:

The multi-layer drug-in adhesive patch is similar to the single-layer system in that both adhesive layers are also responsible for the releasing of the drug. The multi-layer system is different however that it adds another layer of drug-in-adhesive, usually separated by a membrane (but not in all cases). This patch also has a temporary liner-layer and a permanent backing.

 

3. RESERVIOR:

Unlike the Single-layer and Multi-layer Drug-in-adhesive systems the reservoir transdermal system has a separate drug layer. The drug layer is a liquid compartment containing a drug solution or suspension separated by the adhesive layer. This patch is also backed by the backing layer. In this type of system the rate of release is zero order.

 

4. MATRIX:

The Matrix system has a drug layer of a semisolid matrix containing a drug solution or suspension. The adhesive layer in this patch surrounds the drug layer partially overlaying it.

 

5. VAPOUR PATCH:

In this type of patch the adhesive layer not only serves to adhere the various layers together but also to release vapour. The vapour patches are new on the market and they release essential oils for up to 6 hours. The vapours patches release essential oils and are used in cases of decongestion mainly. Other vapour patches on the market are controller vapour patches that improve the quality of sleep. Vapour patches that reduce the quantity of cigarettes that one smokes in a month are also available on the market.

 

Pain-free diabetic monitoring using transdermal patches:4

The first prototype patch measures about 1cm2 and is made using polymers and thin metallic films. The 5×5 sampling array can be clearly seen, as well as their metallic interconnections (Figure 3). When the seal is compromised, the interstitial fluid, and the biomolecules contained therein, becomes accessible on the skin surface. Utilizing micro-heating elements integrated into the structural layer of the patch closest to the skin surface, a high-temperature heat pulse can be applied locally, breaching the stratum corneum. During this ablation process, the skin surface experiences temperatures of 130°C for 30ms duration. The temperature diminishes rapidly from the skin surface and neither the living tissue nor the nerve endings are affected. This painless and bloodless process results in disruption of a 40–50μm diameter region of the dead skin layer, approximately the size of a hair follicle, allowing the interstitial fluid to interact with the patch's electrode sites.

 

 

Figure 3. pain free diabetic monitoring using transdermal patch

 

Testosterone Transdermal Patch System in Young Women with Spontaneous Premature Ovarian Failure:4

In premenopausal women, the daily testosterone production is approximately 300 µg, of which approximately half is derived from the ovaries and half from the adrenal glands.(Figure 4) Young women with spontaneous premature ovarian failure (sPOF) may have lower androgen levels, compared with normal ovulatory women. Testosterone transdermal patch (TTP) was designed to deliver the normal ovarian production rate of testosterone. The addition of TTP to cyclic E2/MPA therapy in women with sPOF produced mean free testosterone levels that approximate the upper limit of normal.

 

Figure 4. transdermal patch for postmenstrual syndrome

 

Transdermal Patch of Oxybutynin used in overactive Bladder:4

The product is a transdermal patch containing Oxybutynin HCl and is approved in US under the brand name of Oxytrol and in Europe under the brand name of Kentera. OXYTROL is a thin, flexible and clear patch that is applied to the abdomen, hip or buttock twice weekly and provides continuous and consistent delivery of oxybutynin over a three to four day interval. OXYTROL offers OAB patient’s continuous effective bladder control with some of the side effects, such as dry mouth and constipation encountered with and oral formulation. In most patients these side effects however are not a troublesome.

Transdermal Patch (Ortho Evra™):4

The patch is 4.5 square centimeters in size and has three layers: the inner release liner which should be removed before application, a layer containing hormones, and an outer polyester protective layer. The patch contains 6 milligram of progestin, Norelgestromin 0.75 milligram of Ethinyle Estradiol. The patch is applied on the skin through which the hormones are absorbed in order to provide continuous flow of hormones during menstrual cycle. The patch is marketed by Ortho McNeil Pharmaceutical with the brand name Ortho Evra.

 

Rotigotine transdermal patch:4

The rotigotine transdermal patch is used for symptom control in Parkinson’s disease. The patches are effective in reducing the symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease, and in reducing “off” time in advanced Parkinson’s disease. It is available in market under the brand name of NeuproR.

 

JET INJECTOR:2

Jet injectors are hand-held devices that deliver a high-pressure liquid stream through a small nozzle orifice. (Figure 5)The impact of the stream is high enough to penetrate the skin tissue and by controlling the magnitude, the liquid can be delivered to specific tissue depths, e.g. intradermal, subcutaneous or intramuscular. The major advantage of jet injectors is the extremely efficient way of drug administration where drug doses can be fired off sequentially, allowing up to 1000 subjects to be medicated per hour . Jet injectors have been used in military and mass vaccination campaigns since the 1950s but their use was discontinued after an outbreak of hepatitis B in 1985 was linked to the use of jet injectors. During recent years, with renewed interest due to bioterror threats, a new generation of safer jet injectors have been developed which use single-dose cartridges and, for example disposable caps to eliminate the risk of cross-contamination between injections. Several systems are commercially available, e.g. Bioject, Injex, Intraject and J-Tip. A similar system called PMED also exists where the jet-injected substance has the form of a dry powder (Powder Med Ltd, a Pfizer Inc. subsidiary) and where the delivery specifically targets immuno-competent cells in the skin layer. Due to this efficient location of vaccine delivery, immune response has been achieved with 20–2500-fold lower doses as compared to conventional intramuscular delivery (using a needle and syringe).

 

Figure 5: jet injector

 

ULTRASOUND TRANSEDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM:8,13

Low frequency (20 kHz) ultrasound can increase the permeability of human skin to high-molecular-weight -drugs.(figure 6) Ultrasound causes cavitation, or growth and oscillation of the air pockets in the skin's keratin fibers. The stratum corneum (outer skin layer) consists of cells called Keratinocites surrounded by lipid bilayers. Low frequency ultrasound generates micro bubbles in the tissue. Researchers suggest the bubbles disrupt the lipid bilayer and allow water channels to be produced within the bilayer. The disorder in the stratum corneum facilitates the crossing of a larger molecule. This process is of particular significance to the delivery of insulin to diabetics. Insulin protein is too large to permeate the skin without use of the active transdermal system. A team of researchers completed an Insulin patch prototype in October of last year. This device provides needle free delivery of insulin via a wearable patch. It has been tested to safely administer effective dosages of insulin in rats. Down the road researchers hope to devise a patch delivery system that will detect glucose and administer insulin.

 

Figure 6.ultrasound transdermal system

 

GENERAL ASPECTS ON MICRONEEDLES:2

Following conventional terminology, a microneedle is a needle with representative parts (e.g. diameter) on the micrometer length scale. However, this definition is rather bold as it includes most of the standard hypodermic needles used in medical practice. Although there are many examples of “microneedles” with lengths of a few millimeters described in the literature, a common understanding of microneedles is that the length of the needle is shorter than 1 mm. What can be said is that microneedles are significantly smaller than ordinary needles, especially concerning the length.

 

MICRONEEDLES FOR DRUG DELIVERY:2

The device contains microneedles, a drug reservoir, adhesives and optionally a rate-controlling membrane. (i.e. microneedles) and a drug reservoir is claimed. The needles are small enough to penetrate only the stratum corneum and can be either solid or hollow. Delivery from the device may occur through diffusion or through convection by applying a force to the backing of the reservoir. shows a drawing from the original document illustrating the device. Although the concept of miniaturized needles for drug delivery was presented earlier, it was not until the 1990s that the technique was tested experimentally. A reason for this was that microfabrication techniques, evolving strongly at that time, enabled these micrometer-sized needles to be precisely fabricated in a potentially cost-effective manner. The first reported study on microneedles for transdermal drug delivery came 1998. This work led by Allen, with a background in microfabrication and MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems), and Prausnitz, with a background at Alza corp. and in drug delivery research, demonstrated a four orders of magnitude increase in permeability of human skin after insertion of an array of 150 micrometer long, solid silicon, out-of-plane microneedles. Given the governing goal to deliver a substance across the skin for subsequent systemic distribution, and the means (microneedles), several possible strategies can be employed to accomplish this. The simplest way, as also proposed by the early vaccinations strategies mentioned above, is to perforate the skin with microneedles and then apply the drug onto the skin for subsequent diffusive spread into the body. The drug can be applied to the skin surface as a gel or through a medicated patch to achieve prolonged release. Another way is to precoat the microneedles with the drug before they are inserted into the skin. A third option is to fabricate the microneedles in a biodegradable material that incorporates the drug. When the needles are inserted into the skin, the needles dissolve and the drug is subsequently released. If the microneedles are hollow, the drug can be actively injected into the tissue. Hollow needles can also be used with passive, diffusion-driven, delivery. In that case, the needles merely functions as controlled and sustained paths (channels) into the body. The achievable dose for precoated and drug-embedded needles is naturally limited to the amount that the needles can bear. For moderately sized microneedle arrays, it is difficult to embed more than 1 mg. This may be sufficient for certain highly potent drugs (e.g. vaccines) but requires tailored drug formulations to be used.

 

ELECTROPORATION:9

This method involves the application of high voltage pulses to the skin which has been suggested to induce the formation of transient pores. Other electrical parameters that affect delivery include pulse properties such as waveform, rate and number. The technology has been successfully used to enhance the skin permeability of molecules with differing lipophilicity and size (i.e. small molecules, proteins, peptides and oligonucleotides) including biopharmaceuticals with molecular weights greater that 7kDA. As electroporation improves the diffusion of such a wide range of compounds, it is thought that the pores created in the superficial layers of the skin are directly responsible for the increase in skin permeability. Genetronics, Inc. has developed a prototype electroporation transdermal device, which has been tested with various compounds with a view to achieving gene delivery, improving drug delivery and aiding the application of cosmetics

 

MICROSCISSUINING:9

It is a process which creates microchannels in the skin by eroding the impermeable outer layers with sharp microscopic metal granules. In addition, MedPharm Ltd. has recently developed a novel dermal abrasion device (D3S) for the delivery of difficult to formulate therapeutics ranging from hydrophilic low molecular weight compounds to biopharmaceuticals. In vitro data has shown that the application of the device can increase the penetration of angiotensin into the skin 100-fold compared to untreated human skin. This device is non-invasive and histological studies on human skin show that the effects on the stratum corneum are reversible and non-irritating.

 

NEEDLE-LESS INJECTION:9

This is reported to involve a pain-free method of administering drugs to the skin. Over the years, there have been numerous examples of both liquid (Ped-O-Jet, Iject, Biojector2000, Medi-jector and Intraject) and powder (PMED device formerly known as Powderject injector) systems. The latter device has been reported to successfully deliver testosterone, lidocaine hydrochloride and macromolecules such as calcitonin and insulin. This method of administering drugs circumvents issues of safety, fear and pain associated with the use of hypodermic needles. Transdermal delivery is achieved by firing the liquid or solid particles at supersonic speeds through the outer layers of the skin using a suitable energy source. The PMED device consists of a helium gas cylinder, drug powder sealed in a cassette made of plastic membrane, a specially designed convergent-divergent supersonic nozzle and a silencer to reduce the noise associated with the rupturing of the membrane when particles are fired. The mechanism involves forcing compressed gas (helium) through the nozzle, with the resultant drug particles entrained within the jet flow reportedly traveling at sufficient velocity for skin penetration. An essential difference between administration of a DNA vaccine by needle injection or by PMED is the efficiency with which the administered DNA generates the encoded protein for presentation on the surface of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Using PMED, it is possible to deliver the DNA directly to the intracellular compartment of cells within the epidermis, and because the epidermis is rich in APCs, significant numbers can potentially be targeted with each administration. This is supported by non-clinical studies in pigs that have included histological examination of PMED administration sites.

 

LASER RADIATION:9

This method involves direct and controlled exposure of a laser to the skin which results in the ablation of the stratum corneum without significantly damaging the underlying epidermis. Removal of the stratum corneum using this method has been shown to enhance the delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. A handheld portable laser device has been developed by Norwood Abbey Ltd. (Victoria, Australia), which, in a study involving human volunteers, was found to reduce the onset of action of lidocaine to 3 to 5 minutes, while 60 minutes was required to attain a similar effect in the control group. Laser systems are also being developed to ablate the stratum corneum from the epidermal layer. As with microneedles, the ablated regions offer lower resistance to drug diffusion than non-ablated skin. One company has recently received FDA approval to market this device with a lidocaine cream.

 

DISPENSER FOR TRANSDERMAL PATCHES:9

3M core pop-up dispensing technology is being used to develop compact transdermal patch dispensers. The patented dispenser is designed to dispense patches in a manner that makes the patches convenient to apply. The dispenser appearance, size, shape and quantity of patches stored can be customized to meet patients needs.

 

MAGNETOPHORESIS:9

Which is still in the research phase, enhances skin permeability by applying a magnetic field. The research data on animal models suggests that skin penetration can be enhanced by applying a magnetic field to therapeutic molecules that are diamagnetic or paramagnetic in nature.

 

 

MICROSTRUCTURED 3M DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM:10

3M Drug Delivery Systems Division's other key technology platform is transdermal drug delivery (TDD), and micro needle or micro structured transdermal systems for vaccines is an emerging area of interest here. Other advances include improvement in liners, films, and adhesives used as components within TDD systems. Drug-in-adhesive (DIA) systems are the most prevalent of established TDD designs. DIA systems offer advantages in simplicity, reduced size and thickness, and improved conformability to the application site. Modified versions of the DIA design, reservoir designs, and, more rarely, matrix patches are other examples of TDD system designs. "For drugs with a narrower therapeutic window or for which there is need for more temporal control of the delivery profile, systems with a rate-moderating membrane such as the multilaminate DIA or reservoir design are the best option,"  3M Drug Delivery Systems Division. "The multilaminate DIA combines most of the patient friendliness of the simple DIA design with added control over the drug delivery profile,"Another transdermal drug delivery type, matrix patches, are seldom used because they require an additional peripheral adhesive to hold the system in place, which in turn increases the overall patch size and thickness. 3M recently developed new components for transdermal drug delivery. These include fluoropolymer-coated release liners for use with new soft adhesives and formulations, ultraviolet blocking films for light-sensitive formulations, and micro layered films that are designed to be soft and occlusive.

 

Microstructured transdermal system:10

3M also is actively developing alternative transdermal delivery methods such as microstructured transdermal systems or micro needles. Micro structured transdermal systems may be used in vaccine delivery, replacing the common approach of using a needle and syringe or in delivering other macromolecules. (Figure 7)A microstructured transdermal system consists of an array of microstructured projections coated with a drug or vaccine that is applied to the skin to provide intradermal delivery of active agents, which otherwise would not cross the stratum corneum, explains Peterson. The mechanism for delivery, however, is not based on diffusion as it is in other trandsermal drug delivery products. Instead, it is based on the temporary mechanical disruption of the skin and the placement of the drug or vaccine within the epidermis, where it can more readily reach its site of action. Much of the work on microstructured transdermal systems is focused on vaccine delivery, in which the system targets the antigen-presenting cells within the skin to reduce pain in administering the vaccine and a more efficient method of vaccination, explains Peterson. Microstructured transdermal systems also may be used for systemic delivery of potent proteins and peptides.3M's program in microstructured transdermal systems also has provided a basis for the company to develop expertise in coating biomolecules such as proteins and peptides on patch structures.

 

Figure 7. Photomicrographs of MTS Arrays Coated with Fluorescent Nanobeads before (top) and after application (bottom).

 

 

ADVANCES IN RADIO FREQUENCY TRANSDERMAL DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM:11

A microelectronic system based on radio-frequency (RF) cell ablation addresses limitations of other transdermal drug-delivery methods. This system expands the transdermal spectrum to include the delivery of water-soluble molecules, peptides, proteins, and other macromolecules

 
RADIO-FREQUENCY CELL-ABLATION TECHNOLOGY:11

RF ablation is a well-known medical technology to eliminate living cells. It is widely used to cut through tissues in minimally invasive operations or to destroy small tumors in the kidney and liver (1–5). RF ablation is performed by placing a conducting wire on a body area and passing an alternating electrical current at a frequency above 100 KHz (radio frequency) through the area. The ions in the cells adjacent to the electrodes vibrate as they try to follow the change in electrical current direction. These vibrations cause heat, which results in water evaporation and cell ablation.(Figure 8) RF microchannels are created by placing a closely spaced array of tiny electrodes with very precise dimensions against the skin. The alternating electrical current is transferred through each of the microelectrodes, ablates the cells underneath each electrode, and forms microscopic passages in the stratum corneum and outer dermis. These RF microchannels penetrate only the outer layers of the skin, where there are no blood vessels or nerve endings. This action minimizes skin trauma and unpleasant sensations. The process is performed in seconds. Immediately after formation, the microchannels fill with interstitial fluid, which is responsible for the hydrophilic nature of the microchannels. As a result, microchannels serve as aquatic channels into the inner layers of the skin. They are embedded in the surrounding of the hydrophobic stratum corneum. For drug delivery, the microchannels may last up to 24 h. At 36 h, the delivery through treated skin returns to the values of intact skin.

 

Figure 8. RF cell ablation technology

 

DRUG DELIVERY DEVICE:11

The "ViaDerm" (TransPharma Medical Ltd., Lod, Israel) system is an example of a microelectronic system based on RF cell ablation for transdermal drug delivery(Figure 9). The system consists of the device, which is used to pretreat the skin and form the RF microchannels in the outer layers of the skin, and a patch containing the drug, which is placed on top of the pretreated skin. “Intra derm “ consists of a handheld electronic control unit and a microelectrode array (Figure 10). The control unit is battery-operated, rechargeable, and reusable for at least 1000 applications. This particular device is available in three sizes (treatment area of 1, 2.5, or 5 cm2 ), depending on the desired dose of drug to be delivered. The microelectrode arry contains hundreds of microelectrodes. The microelectrode array is disposable, low-cost and intended for one use only. The array is based on a proprietary design and made of biocompatible materials that are well-established in medical devices. Within a few seconds, the control unit and the array create an array of RF microchannels, thereby preparing the treatment site for the patch containing the drug. After application of the patch  on the pretreated area, the drug passively diffuses from the patch through the RF microchannels into the inner layers of the skin and into systemic circulation.

 

figure 9. “via derm” system depending on Rf cell ablation technology

 

Figure 10.intra derm “system depending on Rf cell ablation technology

CHEMICAL PENETRATION ENHANCERS:2

The delivery rate of conventional transdermal patches can be increased significantly by using chemical penetration enhancers in combination with the patch. The simplest form of penetration enhancement is the use of water. Hydration of skin tissue progressively increases permeability as water opens up the compact structure of the outer most skin layer The layer is also extremely hygroscopic as up to 500% of the dry weight can be absorbed within 1 h (by immersion) causing the layer thickness to increase 4–5 times Consequently, moisturizing factors like occlusive films or hydrophobic ointments (e.g. oily creams) also lead to increased skin permeability. Other penetration-enhancing chemicals work by diminishing the barrier property of the outermost skin layer. A great variety of chemicals are known to posses this capability. Some of the more common ones are surfactants (like Tween), fatty acids (like oleic acid), terpenes (e.g. eucalyptus oil) and solvents (e.g. ethanol)

 

CONCLUSION:

Among all the method, Iontophoresis delivers medication transdermally (both locally and systemically) using electric current to ionize drug molecules and propel them through the skin. jet injectors is the extremely efficient way of drug administration where drug doses can be fired off sequentially, RF cell ablation technology expands the transdermal spectrum to include the delivery of water-soluble molecules, peptides, proteins, and other macromolecules.3M Drug Delivery Systems Division's other key technology platform is transdermal drug delivery (TDD), and micro needle or micro structured transdermal systems for vaccines is an emerging area of interest here. Needle less injection reported to involve a pain-free method of administering drugs to the skin. For microneedles to function properly, the needles need to have a certain length and certain sharpness, and they should be fabricated in a material which can withstand the forces of matter. Ultrasound can increase the permeability of human skin to high-molecular-weight -drugs.

 

REFERENCES:

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2.     Niclas Roxhed ;A Fully Integrated Microneedle-based Transdermal Drug Delivery  System. Microsystem technology laboratory. 2007;46:1-93

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10.   http://pharmtech.findpharma.com/pharmtech/Outsourcing/3M-Drug-Delivery-Systems/ArticleStandard/ Article/detail/143861

11.   Galit Levin ; Advances in Radio-Frequency Transdermal Drug Delivery;journal of pharmtech. 2008 ;13-22.

12.   http://pharmtech.findpharma.com/pharmtech/Drug+delivery+Article/Advances-in-Radio-Frequency-Transdermal-Drug-Deliv/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/505382

13.   Sonophoresis from Wikipedia ,the free encyclopedia available at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonophoresis

14.   Transdermal patch From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transdermal_patch

 

 

 

Received on 08.12.2009

Accepted on 12.02.2010   

© A&V Publication all right reserved

Research Journal of Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Technology. 2(2): March –April. 2010, 113-119