OBJECTIVE:
The present study aimed to measure in-vivo the depth and the percentage of testosterone in human skin.
METHOD:
Two healthy young Brazilian volunteers were evaluated through a Confocal Raman Spectroscopy probe on the right volar forearm. Testosterone spectroscopy of was performed on the Stratum Corneum, Viable Epidermis and Dermis; the percentage concentration of testosterone was compared between the baseline and one hour after local application of a transdermal nanostructured testosterone (5%) formulation.
RESULTS:
To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that the depth and percentage of testosterone has been evaluated non-invasively in-vivo. No adverse events were attributed to this protocol. The method is effective in differentially measuring testosterone in the skin layers.
CONCLUSION:
This protocol may serve as a good choice for rapid hormone quantification for forensic or medical purposes.
KEYWORDS:
Nanotechnology; Confocal Raman Spectroscopy; Transdermal Delivery; Testosterone; Nanoparticles
