| abstract |
Methods for conducting controlled environment electrotransport are described. The methods generally concern control of the ionic environment of the active electrode reservoir, in an electrotransport system. This control may be utilized, for example, to maintain a constant extraneous ion presence, such as pH. It may also be applied in a preferred manner to maintain selected control over the delivery rate of a target species, in time, in the presence of extraneous ions. Apparatus usable to provide for controlled environment electrotransport are also described. In general the apparatus comprises an electrotransport system including an active electrode reservoir having therein both a primary electrode arrangement and a secondary electrode arrangement, with a control arrangement for selected operation of both. The secondary electrode arrangement, being operated different from the primary electrode arrangement, is selected for operation to selectively enhance or otherwise modify ion presence in the active electrode reservoir, to achieve application of the general methods described. The apparatus may include a sensor means therein, for use as feedback to a control system during operation. Methods and systems involving diffusion type delivery are also described. |