[Lidocaine transportation through a cellophane membrane by wide range AC frequencies].

This study examined whether lidocaine molecules can be transported through an artificial membrane by the application of AC. A cellophane membrane was placed between donor and receptor compartments. The donor compartment was filled with lidocaine hydrochloride (40 and 60 mmol/l) and the receptor compartment with pure water. A sine wave at 5 voltage levels and 5 frequencies was applied between the parallel plate electrodes. The impedance of the solution in the receptor compartment was measured to determine the concentration of the lidocaine. The transportation efficiency in the condition of high concentration was markedly enhanced with the application of 15 and 20 V at every frequency. Although no frequency dependence was observed in the 500 Hz to 100 kHz range, the transportation efficiency was markedly enhanced at 1 MHz. It is considered that lidocaine ions are transported by vibration or rotation energy induced by AC. The formation of electrode polarization is decreased in the high-frequency range resulting in attenuation of the voltage drop in the solution and increase of the transportation efficiency with the passage of AC.