Maximilian N. Voelker1, Jan M. Burg2, Peggy Schlupp3, Ulf Maeder2, Alexander M. Koenig1, Johannes T. Heverhagen1
1Diagnostic Radiology, Philipps University, Marburg, Hessen, Germany; 2Institute of Medical Physics and Radiation Protection, University of Applied Sciences Giessen-Friedberg, Giessen, Germany; 3Institute of Biopharmaceutical Technology, University of Applied Sciences Giessen-Friedberg, Giessen, Germany
A topically applied submicron emulsion on porcine skin samples was used as a carrier system for the contrast agent. Contrast enhanced MRI enables the measurement of its penetration into the skin. Measuring the relaxation time change due to the penetration of the contrast agent into the skin allowed the quantification of the drug carrier system. Compared with common optical and analytical assessment of skin penetration, contrast enhanced MRI has an advantage in unlimited imaging depth. Moreover, it provides an easy and precise quantification despite the worse resolution.