A Diffusion-Compartmental Model for Transdermal Drug Delivery from a Matrix-Type Device

A three-compartment/diffusion model is presented that describes the transdermal drug delivery from a matrix type delivery device. The model is partly diffusional and partly compartmental in nature. The matrix and stratum corneum are both considered to be diffusion layers, connected to a three-compartment model representing the viable epidermis/dermis, plasma, and peripheral tissues. The model simulated with Comsol Multiphysics to obtain plasma concentration and tissue profile. The drug release properties of either type of device can readily be determined by in vitro experiment. The model is not restricted to a steady state nor does it specify particular drug release kinetics from the matrix. It does assume isotropic diffusion layers and spontaneous partitioning at boundaries

Keywords:

Transdermal drug delivery , diffusion , Computational Fluid Mechanics (CFD) , model , polymer matrix