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. 2023 Oct 14;14(1):67–85. doi: 10.34172/apb.2024.018

Table 1. Advanced transdermal drug delivery techniques .

Advances in TDDS Advantages Disadvantages Examples References
Iontophoresis

  • - Aids in the distribution of charged or neutral compounds through topical and transdermal routes.

  • - A more significant current intensity or the characteristics of the drug molecule can sometimes produce erythema or skin irritation.

 LidoSiteTM 29

  • - Small peptides have traditionally been delivered by iontophoretic delivery.
Electroporation

  • - Relatively safe and painless method that has been shown to administer LMW medicines successfully.

  • - A lot of cell disruption, including cell death and damage to heat-liable medicines is seen.

 Transdermal medication of Piroxicam with two surfactants (Tween 80 and sodium lauryl sulfate). 30,31

  • - The transdermal penetration rate and extent may be controlled by adjusting the electroporation settings.
Photomechanical waves

  • - Delivers macromolecules.

  • - Poor understanding of the mechanism.

 In vivo topical drug delivery of 5-aminolevulinic acid using a single photomechanical wave 32,33,34

  • - Deeper penetration into the tissue.

  • - No human clinical data.

  • - Increase permeability of cell membranes.
Ultrasound

  • - Increase delivery of high and low molecular weight drugs.

  • - Sophisticated technique.

 Sonoprep® 35,36

  • - Enhanced delivery through the transdermal route.

  • - Energy consuming.

 SonodermTM

  • - Delivers drugs in a low-frequency range.

  • - Time consuming.

  • - Controlled dispersion.

  • - Irritation and burning sensation.

  • - Patient compliance.
Microneedles

  • - Microbial penetration is reduced because, unlike a hypodermic needle, the microneedle punctures the epidermis.

  • - Dosage precision may be inferior to that of hypodermic needles.

 MicroCor PTH 37

  • - Rapid medication administration is achieved by combining the microneedles with an electrically controlled micropump.

  • - Repeated injections may cause vein collapse.

 Corplex

  • - Compared to the drug delivery via the SC, the rate of drug delivery can be controlled more efficiently with this technique.

  • - Dermal tissue that is compressed can prevent hollow microneedles from functioning correctly.
Suction abrasion

  • - Eliminates the discomfort due to dermal invasion.

  • - Prolonged period to reach a blister.

 Cell patch 38

  • - Can cause epidermal infections (less severe).
Skin puncture

  • - Suitable for transferring drugs like insulin.

  • - Excessive bleeding, if not used properly.

 Imprinter® 39

  • - Faster action.

  • - Lightheadedness.

  • - Scarring (occurs when there have been multiple punctures in the same area).
Needle-free injection technology

  • - No skin puncture or any type of damage to the skin.

  • - Not suitable for intravenous administration

 Ped-O-Jet 40

  • - Quicker drug delivery and improved reproducibility.

  • - The procedure is time-consuming and costly.

  • - Self-administration is possible due to needleless technology.

  • - Proper training and upkeep are needed.

  • - Improves vaccine response.

  • - Medication can also be administered in the form of dry powder.
Radio-frequency microchannels

  • - Painless, safe and effective substitute to intramuscular or subcutaneous vaccines, allowing for expanded vaccinations.

  • - Maintenance of high-frequency alternating current (~ 100 kHz).

 ViaDerm 41

  • - Improve drug material penetration as well as dosing management.
Magnetophoresis

  • - Induction of structural changes that could lead to enhancement in the permeability.

 Alters the properties of the SC. Lidocaine transdermal patch 36,42

  • - Enhancement in permeant flux.