Electrodes for in vivo localised subcutaneous electropulsation and associated drug and nucleic acid delivery

Background: Drug and nucleic acids can be delivered in vivo by an injection of the product followed by the application of a train of electric pulses. Objective: The success of the method is linked to the proper distribution of the electric field in the target tissue. This is under the control of the design of the electrodes. Methods: The field distribution can be obtained by computer simulation mainly by using numerical methods and simplifying hypothesis. The conclusions are validated by comparing the computed current and its experimental values on phantoms. A good agreement is obtained. Results/conclusion: Targeting the delivery to the skin can be obtained by using an array of very short needle electrodes, by pinching the skin between two parallel plate electrodes, or by using contact wire electrodes.