Applications of multiphoton polarization and generalized polarization microscopy in elucidating transdermal delivery pathways

Abstract

Physical and chemical enhancement techniques have proven to be useful in promoting transdermal delivery of therapeutic agents. However, it has been difficult to follow the changes to the skin during these processes microscopically. In this work, we use multiphoton polarization (P) and generalized polarization (GP) imaging of the membrane probe Laurdan to monitor changes to the stratum corneum under conditions of chemically enhanced delivery by oleic acid. We show that the combination of P and GP Laurdan imaging helps to reveal both the physical and chemical changes to the stratum corneum under enhanced delivery. Our work can help to develop more efficient transdermal delivery strategies.