Stimulation of the penetration of particles into the skin by plasma tissue interaction

A high number of treatments in dermatology are based on the penetration of topically applied drugs through the skin barrier. This process is predominantly inefficient, on account of the strong protection properties of the upper skin layer – the stratum corneum. If the skin barrier is damaged, the penetration efficiency of topically applied drugs increases. Therefore, different methods have been developed to influence the barrier properties of the skin. Recently, it could be demonstrated that a cold tissue tolerable plasma (TTP) produced by a plasma-jet can strongly enhance drug delivery through the skin. These investigations were performed by using a solution of fluorescent dye as a model drug. In the present study, these investigations were carried out using fluorescent silica particles at different sizes. The aim of the study was to investigate whether or not there is a limitation in size for topically applied substances to pass through the skin barrier after plasma treatment.