Needle-less immunisation moves a step closer
Researchers at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, have found a way of applying low-frequency ultrasound to the skin, coupled with a product that makes the skin more permeable. Vaccines are then applied to the skin in liquid form using a dropper and are easily absorbed.
Researchers at the School of Pharmacy, University of London, have found a way of applying low-frequency ultrasound to the skin, coupled with a product that makes the skin more permeable. Vaccines are then applied to the skin in liquid form using a dropper and are easily absorbed.
The researchers tested the tetanus vaccine on mice and rats and it will next be tested on human skin. Pulses of ultrasound (20 kHz) were applied to the shaved abdominal skin of anaesthetised animals via a coupling medium containing different concentrations of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (0, 0.5 and 1 %w/v) for a total sonication time of 45 seconds.
"It is estimated that the medium and the ultrasound will be applied to the forearm for up to two minutes. The area will then be cleaned and the vaccine applied," explained pharmacist Afendi Dahlan, who led the research.
Low-frequency ultrasound is commonly used in laboratories as a cleaning tool. Dahlan said that he hoped a hand-held, low-frequency ultrasound device could be developed for use in hospitals and clinics. Ultra sound can be damaging to the skin at high intensities. Although this method uses ultrasound at a low intensity, it will be assessed for safety and effectiveness on human skin.