Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability of an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area of the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface with reversibly switchable properties. The surface comprises a nanolayer of a material that switches from a first conformation state to a second conformation state when an external stimulus is applied. When the nanolayer is in the first conformation state, the surface is characterized by a first property, and when the nanolayer is in the second conformation state, the surface is characterized by a second property.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface with reversibly switchable properties. The surface comprises a nanolayer of a material that switches from a first conformation state to a second conformation state when an external stimulus is applied. When the nanolayer is in the first conformation state, the surface is characterized by a first property, and when the nanolayer is in the second conformation state, the surface is characterized by a second property.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient and non-invasive means to prepare cells, tissues, and organs for electrical transmission and reception. In an embodiment of the invention, a control method comprises the use of at least one skin electrode, as a reference electrode, and an electrical sensor to measure periodically or continuously the skin's electrical conductance at the site of preparation. The dynamic change in the conductance through the skin is measured while the ultrasound is applied. Signal processing is performed on the measurement and the level of skin impedance change is controlled by performing a mathematical analysis and using the results of such analysis to control the application of ultrasonic energy. A desired level of skin impedance can be set at a predetermined value or based on a chosen level of skin integrity, subject's sensation of discomfort, or duration of the ultrasound application.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability of an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area of the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: Transdermal transport of molecules during sonophoresis (delivery or extraction) can be further enhanced by application of an electric field, for example, electroporation or iontophoresis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound is low frequency ultrasound which induces cavitation of the lipid layers of the stratum corneum (SC). This method provides higher drug transdermal fluxes, allows rapid control of transdermal fluxes, and allows drug delivery or analyte extraction at lower ultrasound intensities than when ultrasound is applied in the absence of an electric field.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a method for enhancing transdermal transport is disclosed. The method includes the steps of increasing a permeability of an area of a membrane with a permeabilizing device. The membrane may be, inter alia, biologic skin or synthetic skin. The permeabilizing device may be an ultrasound-producing device. A substance is transported into and through the area of the membrane. The substance may be a drug, a vaccine, or a component of interstitial fluid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for producing homogenous cavitation. An ultrasound souce comprising an ultrasound transmitting element having an axis and a cross-section along the axis is disclosed The ultrasound transmitting element also has a first axial end and a second axial end operable to produce ultrasonic waves. The cross-section has an area having a maximum value at the first axial end and a minimum value at the second axial end. A method for producing homogenous cavitation at an area of skin comprises creating a volume of fluid having a uniformly dispersed concentration of cavitation nuclei adjacent the area of skin. Ultrasound is then applied to the volume of fluid and causes cavitation at the cavitation nuclei.

Abstract: The invention provides a convenient and non-invasive means to prepare cells, tissues, and organs for electrical transmission and reception. In an embodiment of the invention, a control method comprises the use of at least one skin electrode, as a reference electrode, and an electrical sensor to measure periodically or continuously the skin's electrical conductance at the site of preparation. The dynamic change in the conductance through the skin is measured while the ultrasound is applied. Signal processing is performed on the measurement and the level of skin impedance change is controlled by performing a mathematical analysis and using the results of such analysis to control the application of ultrasonic energy. A desired level of skin impedance can be set at a predetermined value or based on a chosen level of skin integrity, subject's sensation of discomfort, or duration of the ultrasound application.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for producing homogenous cavitation. An ultrasound souce comprising an ultrasound transmitting element having an axis and a cross-section along the axis is disclosed The ultrasound transmitting element also has a first axial end and a second axial end operable to produce ultrasonic waves. The cross-section has an area having a maximum value at the first axial end and a minimum value at the second axial end. A method for producing homogenous cavitation at an area of skin comprises creating a volume of fluid having a uniformly dispersed concentration of cavitation nuclei adjacent the area of skin. Ultrasound is then applied to the volume of fluid and causes cavitation at the cavitation nuclei.

Abstract: A substrate having a surface with reversibly switchable properties. The surface comprises a nanolayer of a material that switches from a first conformation state to a second conformation state when an external stimulus is applied. When the nanolayer is in the first conformation state, the surface is characterized by a first property, and when the nanolayer is in the second conformation state, the surface is characterized by a second property.

Abstract: Methods and devices for application of ultrasound to a small area of skin for enhancing transdermal transport. An ultrasound beam having a first focal diameter is channelled into a beam having a second, smaller diameter without substantial loss of energy. Higher energy ultrasound can be used while causing less pain. Alternatively, ultrasound energy is applied through a vibrating element positioned just contacting, above or extending into the skin. Use of the element facilitates extraction of analyte and may enhance drug delivery. A two step noninvasive method involves application of ultrasound to increase skin permeability and removal of ultrasound followed by transdermal transport that can be further enhanced using a physical enhancer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for application of ultrasound to a small area of skin for enhancing transdermal transport. An ultrasound beam having a first focal diameter is channelled into a beam having a second, smaller diameter without substantial loss of energy. Higher energy ultrasound can be used while causing less pain. Alternatively, ultrasound energy is applied through a vibrating element positioned just contacting, above or extending into the skin. Use of the element facilitates extraction of analyte and may enhance drug delivery. A two step noninvasive method involves application of ultrasound to increase skin permeability and removal of ultrasound followed by transdermal transport that can be further enhanced using a physical enhancer.

Abstract: Transdermal transport of molecules during sonophoresis (delivery or extraction) can be further enhanced by application of an electric field, for example, electroporation or iontophoresis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound is low frequency ultrasound which induces cavitation of the lipid layers of the stratum corneum (SC). This method provides higher drug transdermal fluxes, allows rapid control of transdermal fluxes, and allows drug delivery or analyte extraction at lower ultrasound intensities than when ultrasound is applied in the absence of an electric field.

Abstract: Methods and devices for application of ultrasound to a small area of skin for enhancing transdermal transport. An ultrasound beam having a first focal diameter is channelled into a beam having a second, smaller diameter without substantial loss of energy. Higher energy ultrasound can be used while causing less pain. Alternatively, ultrasound energy is applied through a vibrating element positioned just contacting, above or extending into the skin. Use of the element facilitates extraction of analyte and may enhance drug delivery. A two step noninvasive method involves application of ultrasound to increase skin permeability and removal of ultrasound followed by transdermal transport that can be further enhanced using a physical enhancer.

Abstract: Methods for enhanced transdermal transport wherein the application of ultrasound is required only once for repeated or sustained transdermal extraction or delivery, over a period of time, rather than prior to each extraction or delivery. The method is applicable to analyte extraction, as well as for drug delivery. The method involves the initial application of an amount of low frequency ultrasound effective to permeabilize the skin or membrane followed by analyte extraction or drug delivery over a period of time. The initial application of ultrasound is effective to permeabilize the skin or membrane for at least about 30 minutes, preferably at least one to two hours, and more preferably up to four to ten hours. The ultrasound is preferably low frequency ultrasound, less than 2.5 MHz, more preferably less than 1 MHz.

Abstract: Transdermal transport of molecules during sonophoresis (delivery or extraction) can be further enhanced by application of an electric field, for example, electroporation or iontophoresis. In a preferred embodiment the ultrasound is low frequency ultrasound which induces cavitation of the lipid layers of the stratum corneum (SC). This method provides higher drug transdermal fluxes, allows rapid control of transdermal fluxes, and allows drug delivery or analyte extraction at lower ultrasound intensities than when ultrasound is applied in the absence of an electric field.

Abstract: Applications of low-frequency (20 KHz) ultrasound enhances transdermal transport of high-molecular weight proteins. This method includes a simultaneous application of ultrasound and protein on the skin surface in order to deliver therapeutic doses of proteins across the skin. Examples demonstrate in vitro and in vivo administration of insulin (molecular weight 6,000 D), and in vitro administration of gamma interferon (molecular weight 17,000 D), and erythropoeitin (molecular weight 48,000 D).