Biography
Biography: Ajay K Banga
Abstract
This presentation will discuss drug-device combinations to enhance dermal delivery of cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals. We have recently shown that physical treatments by ablative laser and polymeric microneedles enhanced skin delivery of methotrexate and other actives. Poly (D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) microneedles, fabricated by melting technique and ablative laser (2940 nm) were both able to significantly enhance delivery. Successful skin poration by microneedles and ablative laser were demonstrated by dye binding, histology and DermaScan studies. Dimensions of microchannels in skin were measured by Scanning Electron Microscopy, pore uniformity and confocal laser microscopy. The feasibility of transdermal delivery of human growth hormone through laser-microporated skin was also demonstrated and the effect of depth and density of micropores was studied. Recently, we have used in vitro microdialysis as a promising technique to quantify lateral diffusion of drugs in skin. The rate of lateral diffusion of Diclofenac sodium was enhanced by microneedle and ablative laser treatment. Other technologies of interest include iontophoresis and phonophoresis. Recent innovations in these technologies will be presented. We have demonstrated iontophoretic delivery of several drug molecules including several polypeptides.