A weak electrical current enhances intracellular delivery of therapeutic substances.

Cell membranes have electrical properties which can be measured and modified. Administering a weak electrical signal across a tissue is a technique which can be used to determine the quantity of water in the intracellular and extracellular compartments. Using this real-time method of bioelectrical impedance, it was found that a variety of stimuli (including an electrical current) can enhance the passage of water and other substances into the cell. We propose an inexpensive and safe technique which could be utilized to enhance delivery of a wide variety of therapeutic agents into cells for the enhanced delivery of antibiotics, chemotherapy or other therapeutic agents. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.