The Application of Local Hypobaric Pressure: A Novel Means to Enhance Macromolecule Entry Into the Skin

The study investigated the use of local hypobaric pressure to enhance the penetration of macromolecules, such as dextran, into the skin. It found that hypobaric stress increased transepidermal water loss, decreased stratum corneum water content, and enhanced blood flow, which facilitated drug entry. The research demonstrated significant increases in skin deposition and transdermal delivery, particularly for higher molecular weight dextran, with a 19.6-fold increase under hypobaric conditions. The study involved both in vitro and in vivo experiments on rat and porcine skin, showing that hypobaric pressure altered the follicular route of transport and widened the follicular infundibula. The findings suggested that hypobaric pressure could be a promising strategy for improving the delivery of therapeutic agents through the skin, although further research was needed to explore its applicability for vaccines and chronic conditions.