TY - JOUR

T1 - Fundamentals of fractional laser-assisted drug delivery

T2 - An in-depth guide to experimental methodology and data interpretation

AU - Wenande, Emily

AU - Anderson, R. Rox

AU - Haedersdal, Merete

PY - 2020

Y1 - 2020

N2 - In the decade since their advent, ablative fractional lasers have emerged as powerful tools to enhance drug delivery to and through the skin. Effective and highly customizable, laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) has led to improved therapeutic outcomes for several medical indications. However, for LADD to reach maturity as a standard treatment technique, a greater appreciation of its underlying science is needed. This work aims to provide an in-depth guide to the technology's fundamental principles, experimental methodology and unique aspects of LADD data interpretation. We show that drug's physicochemical properties including solubility, molecular weight and tissue binding behavior, are crucial determinants of how laser channel morphology influences topical delivery. Furthermore, we identify strengths and limitations of experimental models and drug detection techniques, interrogating the usefulness of in vitro data in predicting LADD in vivo. By compiling insights from over 75 studies, we ultimately devise an approach for intelligent application of LADD, supporting its implementation in the clinical setting.

AB - In the decade since their advent, ablative fractional lasers have emerged as powerful tools to enhance drug delivery to and through the skin. Effective and highly customizable, laser-assisted drug delivery (LADD) has led to improved therapeutic outcomes for several medical indications. However, for LADD to reach maturity as a standard treatment technique, a greater appreciation of its underlying science is needed. This work aims to provide an in-depth guide to the technology's fundamental principles, experimental methodology and unique aspects of LADD data interpretation. We show that drug's physicochemical properties including solubility, molecular weight and tissue binding behavior, are crucial determinants of how laser channel morphology influences topical delivery. Furthermore, we identify strengths and limitations of experimental models and drug detection techniques, interrogating the usefulness of in vitro data in predicting LADD in vivo. By compiling insights from over 75 studies, we ultimately devise an approach for intelligent application of LADD, supporting its implementation in the clinical setting.

KW - Ablative fractional laser

KW - In Vitro In Vivo models

KW - Microchannel morphology, barrier permeability

KW - Microporation

KW - Physical enhancement strategies

KW - Skin absorption

KW - Topical laser-assisted drug delivery

KW - Transdermal delivery

U2 - 10.1016/j.addr.2019.10.003

DO - 10.1016/j.addr.2019.10.003

M3 - Review

C2 - 31628965

AN - SCOPUS:85075476344

VL - 153

SP - 169

EP - 184

JO - Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

JF - Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

SN - 0169-409X

ER -