Programmable carbon nanotube membrane-based transdermal nicotine delivery with microdialysis validation assay

To evaluate the performance of switchable carbon nanotubes (CNT) membrane devices for transdermal nicotine delivery, we have developed an in-vitro microdialysis method that allow us to detect variable transdermal fluxes of nicotine through CNT devices and can be applied directly to in-vivo studies. Microdialysis membranes were placed beneath the porcine skin and its nicotine levels increased 6-8 times when the CNT membrane on skin was turned from OFF to ON state by application of bias. Fluxes in the ON state were approximately 3 times that of commercial nicotine patches and switching times were less than two hours, thus suggesting the improved therapeutic potential of our device. Blue tooth enabled CNT devices that can be programmed by smartphone and coupled with remote counseling application for enhanced smoking cessation treatments.

Carbon nanotube (CNT) membranes have the ability to be switched by small applied bias and can improve smoking cessation therapy by the transdermal delivery of a variable nicotine flux/dose as set by remote therapy. However, a new transdermal assay need to be developed to show switching events of such devices. A microdialysis membrane probe was placed beneath porcine skin on the flow cell apparatus to capture nicotine molecules for flux analysis showing 6-8 times increase in nicotine level with device in on state and 3 times that of commercially available Nicoderm. This study for the first time demonstrates the feasibility of a microdialysis method for demonstrating switchable transdermal drug delivery devices.161