Background Cryogenic particle delivery is a novel cryotherapy-based transdermal delivery system that converts liquid drugs into micro-ice-crystallised needles, which are propelled into the skin using a cryogenic CO2 jet. This study evaluates its efficacy in enhancing skin penetration and absorption, alone and in combination with the Microneedle Therapy System (MTS). Objective To assess fluorescence intensity, penetration depth, and structural integrity in ex vivo human skin tissues treated with cryogenic particle delivery, MTS, or a combination of both. Methods Ex vivo human skin tissues were divided into four groups: untreated (Control), MTS alone (Control 1), MTS combined with cryogenic particle delivery (Control 2), and Picolitre ice particle delivery alone (Test Group). Fluorescence-labelled hyaluronic acid (HA-FITC) was applied, and fluorescence intensity and penetration depth were evaluated using confocal microscopy. Structural integrity was assessed through haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests (p < 0.05). Results Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in all treated groups compared to the untreated control: by 279.06 (MTS alone), 492.81 (MTS + cryogenic particle delivery), and 251.88% (cryogenic particle delivery alone) (p < 0.05). Penetration depth also increased significantly: by 52.00 (MTS alone), 60.06 (MTS + cryogenic particle delivery), and 36.99% (Cryogenic particle delivery alone). H&E staining confirmed no structural damage in any group. Conclusion Cryogenic particle delivery significantly enhances skin penetration and absorption, particularly when combined with MTS, demonstrating a synergistic effect. Its ability to deliver compounds safely and effectively highlights its potential as a transformative tool for therapeutic and cosmetic transdermal applications. Future in vivo studies are warranted to validate these findings and optimise its clinical applications. Level of Evidence V This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors <a href="http://www.springer.com/00266">www.springer.com/00266</a>.

Efficacy of Cryogenic Particle Delivery in Enhancing Skin Penetration and Absorption

期刊论文
发表日期：

2025年10月27日

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Kyu-Ho Yi,
Jin-Hyun Kim,
Jong Keun Song,
Michael James Kim,
Chan Yeong Heo,
Suk Bae Seo,
Gun Ho Kim

摘要

Background

Cryogenic particle delivery is a novel cryotherapy-based transdermal delivery system that converts liquid drugs into micro-ice-crystallised needles, which are propelled into the skin using a cryogenic CO₂ jet. This study evaluates its efficacy in enhancing skin penetration and absorption, alone and in combination with the Microneedle Therapy System (MTS).

Objective

To assess fluorescence intensity, penetration depth, and structural integrity in ex vivo human skin tissues treated with cryogenic particle delivery, MTS, or a combination of both.

Methods

Ex vivo human skin tissues were divided into four groups: untreated (Control), MTS alone (Control 1), MTS combined with cryogenic particle delivery (Control 2), and Picolitre ice particle delivery alone (Test Group). Fluorescence-labelled hyaluronic acid (HA-FITC) was applied, and fluorescence intensity and penetration depth were evaluated using confocal microscopy. Structural integrity was assessed through haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t tests (p < 0.05).

Results

Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in all treated groups compared to the untreated control: by 279.06 (MTS alone), 492.81 (MTS + cryogenic particle delivery), and 251.88% (cryogenic particle delivery alone) (p < 0.05). Penetration depth also increased significantly: by 52.00 (MTS alone), 60.06 (MTS + cryogenic particle delivery), and 36.99% (Cryogenic particle delivery alone). H&E staining confirmed no structural damage in any group.

Conclusion

Cryogenic particle delivery significantly enhances skin penetration and absorption, particularly when combined with MTS, demonstrating a synergistic effect. Its ability to deliver compounds safely and effectively highlights its potential as a transformative tool for therapeutic and cosmetic transdermal applications. Future in vivo studies are warranted to validate these findings and optimise its clinical applications.

Level of Evidence V

This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.