Control of transport of molecules across tissue using electroporation
US5019034A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 30, 1989 |
| Grant date | May 28, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 30, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/044
- WIPO fieldPharmaceuticals
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An electrical process for enhancing and/or controlling transport of molecules across tissue such as human and animal skin is disclosed. The process involves the use of a high voltage, short duration electrical pulses on the tissue surface to produce electroporation. Once this effect has occurred, concentration, pressure or temperature gradients, or iontopheresis can be used to move molecules across the tissue. The process can be repeatedly applied without producing undesirable tissue damage or can be used to purposely cause highly limited tissue damage for the purpose of providing a desired, relatively long term molecular transport pathway. The occurrence of the electroporation effect can be detected by monitoring the tissue for a reversible electrical breakdown, which, along with an enhanced tissue permeability, is the characteristic effect of electroporation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.