LASER MICROPORATION FOR THE DELIVERY OF DRUGS INTO AND ACROSS THE SKIN

Stratum corneum is the outermost layer of the skin and is the biggest barrier for the permeation of drugs. By applying external energy stratum corneum (SC) can be ablated such that it enhances molecular transport. Creating micro channels using laser power is one of the latest and most promising development. Irradiating skin with laser of particular frequency results in excitation of specific molecules (most often water molecules) in the skin. The super heating of water reciprocates in micropore formation. The technique is relatively new, but holds promises for future. This review provides an overview of laser poration and its application in transdermal drug delivery.