초록 ▼

An electrical process for enhancing and/or controlling transport of molecules across tissue such as human and animal skin is disclosed. The process involves the use of a high voltage, short duration electrical pulses on the tissue surface to produce electroporation. Once this effect has occurred, co

An electrical process for enhancing and/or controlling transport of molecules across tissue such as human and animal skin is disclosed. The process involves the use of a high voltage, short duration electrical pulses on the tissue surface to produce electroporation. Once this effect has occurred, concentration, pressure or temperature gradients, or iontopheresis can be used to move molecules across the tissue. The process can be repeatedly applied without producing undesirable tissue damage or can be used to purposely cause highly limited tissue damage for the purpose of providing a desired, relatively long term molecular transport pathway. The occurrence of the electroporation effect can be detected by monitoring the tissue for a reversible electrical breakdown, which, along with an enhanced tissue permeability, is the characteristic effect of electroporation.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for transporting molecules across tissue comprising the steps of: a. applying at least one electrical pulse of sufficient voltage and duration to a region of tissue, wherein the tissue comprises at least a single layer of cells, in order to cause electroporation in the region; and b. utiliz

A method for transporting molecules across tissue comprising the steps of: a. applying at least one electrical pulse of sufficient voltage and duration to a region of tissue, wherein the tissue comprises at least a single layer of cells, in order to cause electroporation in the region; and b. utilizing a driving force to move molecules across the regions of the tissue undergoing electroporation.