Abstract: A method for temporarily permeabilizing a nuclear membrane to allow a molecule to enter a nucleus of a cell includes exposing the cell to a fluid medium containing the molecule; and causing, in the fluid medium an impulse having a peak pressure sufficient to permeabilize the nuclear membrane.

Abstract: A device for transdermal delivery of a composition includes a housing partitioned into a delivery chamber arranged to contain the composition and a detonation chamber mechanically coupled to the delivery chamber. The detonation chamber is intended to contain an energetic material producing an impulse transient in response to a detonating stimulus. The housing is coupled to an energy coupling element, or detonator, for communicating energy provided by an external energy source into the detonating stimulus in the detonation chamber. The detonator can detonate the energetic material by causing an electrical discharge or spark within the detonation chamber. The detonator can be a piezoelectric film in electrical communication with the energetic material.

Abstract: A device for transdermal delivery of a composition includes a housing partitioned into a delivery chamber arranged to contain the composition and a detonation chamber mechanically coupled to the delivery chamber. The detonation chamber is intended to contain an energetic material producing an impulse transient in response to a detonating stimulus. The housing is coupled to an energy coupling element, or detonator, for communicating energy provided by an external energy source into the detonating stimulus in the detonation chamber. The detonator can detonate the energetic material by causing an electrical discharge or spark within the detonation chamber. The detonator can be a piezoelectric film in electrical communication with the energetic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating tissue directs first and second wavelengths of energy, e.g., laser or ultrasonic signal energy, into an overlap region of tissue such that the first and second wavelengths mix in situ to form a third wavelength. The third wavelength effectively couples energy into the tissue to treat tissue in said overlap region, producing local heating or cavitation. Wavelengths may be selected such that overlying tissue is unharmed, and the two wavelengths may be applied along different paths and cross in the overlap region. Absorbers or dyes may be used to tailor absorbance of the third wavelength. When using ultrasonic energy, signals of several megahertz may be so mixed to provide a lower frequency treatment signal such as a 200 kHz treatment signal or a subharmonic. Laser signals may be mixed to form a treatment signal in the infrared.

Abstract: A method of treating diseases of cell proliferation in a patient such as neoplasms and rheumatoid arthritis including administering sub-toxic doses of a compound in combination with high pressure impulse transients. Methods are also provided for identifying compounds and impulse transient dosages useful for high pressure impulse transient chemotherapy.