(IMAGE) Kumamoto University Caption Near-infrared light produces a photothermal effect on gold nanorods in a hydrogel skin patch. This heats the skin thereby increasing the permeability of the outermost layer, the stratum corneum (SC), which allows significant transdermal delivery of fluorescently labeled ovalbumin. The goal of this research is the effective delivery of protein-based drugs through the skin. (Image reprinted from the European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutic, 119, Haine, A. T.; Koga, Y.; Hashimoto, Y.; Higashi, T.; Motoyama, K.; Arima, H. & Niidome, T., Enhancement of transdermal protein delivery by photothermal effect of gold nanorods coated on polysaccharide-based hydrogel, 91-95, (2017), with permission from Elsevier.) Credit Professor Takuro Niidome Usage Restrictions This image may only be used in conjunction with the accompanying release, or stories written about the work described in the release with reference to the original work and after obtaining permission from Elsevier. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.