Development and evaluation of a heparin gel for transdermal delivery via laser-generated micropores

Deepal Vora, Yujin Kim, Ajay K Banga

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Aim:  Our study investigated the feasibility of transdermal delivery of heparin, an anticoagulant used against venous thromboembolism, as an alternative to intravenous administration.  Materials & methods:  Skin was pretreated using ablative laser (Precise Laser Epidermal System [P.L.E.A.S.E. ® ] technology) for enhanced delivery of heparin.  In vitro  permeation studies using static Franz diffusion cells provided a comparison between delivery from 0.3% w/v heparin-loaded poloxamer gel and solution across untreated and laser-treated dermatomed porcine ear skin.  Results:  No passive delivery of heparin was observed. Laser-assisted delivery from solution (26.07 ± 1.82 μg/cm 2 ) was higher (p < 0.05) than delivery from heparin gel (11.28 ± 5.32 μg/cm 2 ). However, gel is likely to sustain the delivery over prolonged periods like a maintenance dose via continuous intravenous infusion.  Conclusion:  Thus, ablative laser pretreatment successfully delivered heparin, establishing the feasibility of delivering hydrophilic macromolecules using the transdermal route.
Original languageAmerican English
JournalTherapeutic Delivery
Volume12
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2021

Keywords

  • ablative laser
  • heparin
  • macromolecule
  • microporation
  • poloxamer gel
  • skin permeation
  • transdermal delivery

Disciplines

  • Medicine and Health Sciences

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