Enhanced transdermal transport using ultrasound

Several means for enhancing transdermal transport of drugs and analytes have been developed, including the use of low frequence ultrasound, chemical modifiers of permeability and/or cavitation, iontophoresis and/or electroporation (electric fields), pressure and/or vacuum (physical enhancers), and magnetic force fields. Applications of low-frequency (approximately 20 KHz to 1 MHz) ultrasound enhances transdermal transport of drugs and measurements of the concentration of analytes in body fluids such as blood or lymph. Delivery can be further enhanced or controlled through the use of carriers for the drugs, such as liposomes or microparticles, using a wide range of ultrasound frequency ranges and intensities. The microparticles are preferably small, and may have surfaces with increased hydrophilicity or lipophilicity to further enhance transport.