Permeabilization and recovery of the stratum corneum in vivo: the synergy of photomechanical waves and sodium lauryl sulfate.
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 photomechanical waves and sodium lauryl sulfate, an anionic surfactant, for transdermal delivery.


METHODS
A single photomechanical wave was applied 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 dextran (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 the skin was measured by fluorescence emission spectroscopy in vivo and fluorescence microscopy of frozen biopsies.


RESULTS
The use of sodium lauryl sulfate delayed the recovery of the stratum corneum barrier and extended the time available for the diffusion of dextran through it.


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of photomechanical waves and surfactants can enhance transdermal drug delivery.
Lee
S
S
Department of Dermatology, Wellman Laboratories of Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
McAuliffe
D J
DJ
Kollias
N
N
Flotte
T J
TJ
Doukas
A G
AG
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000818:Animals; D008297:Male; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D051381:Rats; D012235:Rhodamines / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate
D012235:Rhodamines; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate