Fractional radiofrequency combined with sonophoresis to facilitate skin penetration of 5-aminolevulinic acid

Abstract

Ablative fractional technology has been used to improve transdermal drug delivery. However, there have been few previous in vivo investigations of the relative potency and methodology of fractional radiofrequency (RF) combined with sonophoresis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of fractional RF combined with sonophoresis on 5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA) penetration of the skin. Three male domestic swine were used. The skin of the pigs was exposed to fractional RF and/or sonophoresis, followed by topical ALA application. Fluorescence intensity (FI) of porphyrin fluorescence was measured. In both the epidermis and the dermis, FI increased after fractional RF and increased additionally with the addition of sonophoresis. Fractional RF with sonophoresis effectively enhanced ALA skin penetration. Pre-fractional RF followed by posttreatment with sonophoresis can be used for ALA-photodynamic therapy to achieve higher ALA uptake.

Enhanced topical cutaneous delivery of indocyanine green after various pretreatment regimens: comparison of fractional CO2 laser, fractional Er:YAG laser, microneedling, and radiofrequency

“…Fluorescence intensity at the test regions pretreated with RF was not significantly higher compared to unpretreated control. Studies showing increased drug delivery following fractional RF pretreatment of the skin go back as far as 2003 [8,15,16]. However, as far as we know, no previous studies exist comparing fractional RF with fractional laser for the purpose of drug delivery.…”

“…* Arne A. Meesters a.a.meesters@amc.uva.nl drug uptake [4][5][6]. Beside ablative fractional laser, other fractional techniques, including microneedling and fractional radiofrequency, have been investigated for the purpose of cutaneous drug delivery [7,8]. Microneedling mechanically disrupts the epidermis by insertion of a grid of microscopic needles, while radiofrequency techniques produce plasma sparks that induce fractional epidermal ablation.…”

“…Fractional CO 2 lasers are generally believed to produce a significant necrotic eschar and a thick coagulation zone surrounding each ablation channel, whereas Er:YAG lasers produce a thinner coagulation zone, which may facilitate drug permeation, but might also be associated with more exudate formation impairing drug uptake [ 4 – 6 ]. Beside ablative fractional laser, other fractional techniques, including microneedling and fractional radiofrequency, have been investigated for the purpose of cutaneous drug delivery [ 7 , 8 ]. Microneedling mechanically disrupts the epidermis by insertion of a grid of microscopic needles, while radiofrequency techniques produce plasma sparks that induce fractional epidermal ablation.…”

Split‐Sided Chest Study of Skin Rejuvenation Comparing Low‐Energy, 1,927‐nm Thulium Fractional Laser Treatment Prior to Photodynamic Therapy Versus Photodynamic Therapy Alone

“…This has led to increased efficacy of PDT treatment . Additional novel methods for enhancing the penetration of either ALA or MAL photosensitizers in human skin prior to PDT include the combination of sonophoresis with fractional CO 2 laser or sonophoresis with radiofrequency .…”

Micro- and Nano-Based Transdermal Delivery Systems of Photosensitizing Drugs for the Treatment of Cutaneous Malignancies

“…Park et al demonstrated that fractional RF with sonophoresis effectively enhanced ALA penetration in swine skin. Pre-fractional RF followed by post-treatment with sonophoresis was considered a promising therapeutic combination for ALA-PDT to enhance ALA uptake [ 84 ]. Additionally, Shavit et al evaluated the efficacy of pretreatment by TMFI (Tixel ® , Novoxel ® , Israel) at low-energy settings to increase the permeability of the skin to four topical PS preparations, especially: 20% ALA gel prepared in a good manufacturing practice-certified pharmacy (Super-Pharm Professional, Israel), 10% ALA microemulsion gel (Ameluz ® , Biofrontera Bioscience GmbH, Leverkusen, Germany), 16.8% MAL cream (Metvix ® , Galderma, Lausanne, Switzerland), and 20% ALA hydroalcoholic solution (Levulan Kerastick ® , DUSA Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Wilmington, MA, USA).…”