THE ENHANCING EFFECT OF ELECTROPORATION AND IONTOPHORESIS ON THE PERMEATION OF INSULIN THROUGH HUMAN SKIN

AIMTo study the enhancing effect of electroporation and iontophoresis on the permeation of insulin through human cadaver skin in vitro. METHODSUsing side by side two-chamber diffusion cells, the flux of insulin achieved with iontophoresis and electrophoration were compared. RESULTSThe application of high-voltage pulse combined with iontophoresis resulted in higher flux transdermal permeation of insulin than either one technique alone (P<0.05). Pulsing at a higher voltage increased the flux of insulin more dramatically than pulsing at a lower voltage (P<0.01). The transdermal transport of insulin by 90 pulse of 500 V (exponential pulse generater, pulse time: 20～24 ms, pulse frequency: 3 pulse·min^-1) followed by iontophoresis led to a quick input and a high steady flux. CONCLUSION Electroporation combined with iontophoresis can enhance the permeation of insulin significantly.