841 Fractional CO2 Laser Increases in Vitro Intradermal Delivery of Vitamins in Human Skin

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The morbidity associated with burn scar contractures remains high globally. Minimally invasive interventions with lasers are capable of decreasing morbidity through a process of scar rehabilitation. Laser interventions have the added benefit of increasing the intradermal delivery of topically applied drugs. Many substances, including vitamins with known roles in the integument, remain largely untested for their ability to potentiate the scar rehabilitation response seen in laser treated scars. Here we tested the ability of a fractional CO2 laser to increase the intradermal delivery of topically applied vitamins A and C. Methods Discarded healthy human skin from surgical procedures was collected. Skin was treated with fractional CO2 laser with a density of 3% and 5%, each at 2 different energy settings. A formulation of vitamin A and C was applied immediately to the laser treated skin as well as an untreated control. The skin was placed into a preservation device allowing diffusion of nutrients to the cells. Punch biopsies were taken at 6 hours and 48-hours after application of vitamins. Biopsies were analyzed using ELISA for vitamin content at 6 and 48-hours. Biopsies at 48-hours were analyzed using RT-PCR for RNA expression of several key regulators of wound healing. Results The CO2 laser was an effective tool to enhance the intradermal delivery of vitamins. Higher laser energies and densities offered an increase in vitamin content. Conclusions Treatment of skin with a fractional ablative CO2 laser is an effective modality for increasing intradermal delivery of topical vitamins A, C, and E. These results are promising in the search for optimal minimally invasive therapies to treat hypertrophic scars, as well as other dermatologic conditions. Applicability of Research to Practice The preliminary in vitro research has demonstrated the efficacy of fractional CO2 lasers to deliver vitamins intradermally. Further studies are underway to analyze the therapeutic effect of post-laser topical vitamin application on burn scars in the clinical setting.