Transdermal permeation of neutral molecules by skin electroporation.

Electroporation of skin has recently been shown to enhance transport of charged molecules across skin by up to four orders of magnitude. This study demonstrates that high-voltage pulses can also increase transdermal permeation of two neutral model solutes, i.e. mannitol and water, up to 100-fold. The elevated flux results from the persistent increase in skin permeability following electroporation, rather than from electro-osmosis during pulsing. Control on transport was achieved by controlling the electrical parameters of the pulse, i.e. the pulse voltage, time constant and number.