Detection of Transdermal Drug Delivery Efficiency by Shock Wave

Objective: This study aimed to observe the drug distribution ex-vivo after transdermal drug delivery (TDD) by Shock Wave (SW) and to explore the different effects of the two types of shock waves. Materials and Methods: Nine female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: (i) control group; (ii) RESW group (0.35mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 400 pulse); (iii) FESW group (0.16mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 400 pulse). Micro positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) was used to observe the distribution of [18]F-NaF. Furthermore, 12 SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: (i) control group; (ii) FESW group 1 (0.03mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 400 pulse); (iii) FESW group 2 (0.16mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 400 pulse); (iv) FESW group 3 (0.35mJ/mm², 2 Hz, 400 pulse). High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) tested diclofenac sodium and glucose percutaneously TDD by FESW. Statistical significance was conducted by analysis of variance of repeated measurement. Results: The micro PET/CT observed FESW could penetrate [18]F-NaF through the skin, while RESW could not. The second study found the higher the energy of the FESW, the more diclofenac sodium and glucose penetration. Repeated measures analysis of variance found a within-subject effect (diclofenac sodium, F = 4.77, p = 0.03), (glucose, F = 8.95, p = 0.006), significant differences between the control group, FESW group 1, and FESW group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study found that FESW can penetrate [18]F-NaF, sugar and diclofenac sodium into the rat body. FESW has a good indication of drug penetration, which provides new biological evidence for route administration.