Modeling drug delivery from multiple emulsions

Phys Rev E. 2020 Aug;102(2-1):023114. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.102.023114.

Abstract

We present a mechanistic model of drug release from a multiple emulsion into an external surrounding fluid. We consider a single multilayer droplet where the drug kinetics are described by a pure diffusive process through different liquid shells. The multilayer problem is described by a system of diffusion equations coupled via interlayer conditions imposing continuity of drug concentration and flux. Mass resistance is imposed at the outer boundary through the application of a surfactant at the external surface of the droplet. The two-dimensional problem is solved numerically by finite volume discretization. Concentration profiles and drug release curves are presented for three typical round-shaped (circle, ellipse, and bullet) droplets and the dependency of the solution on the mass transfer coefficient at the surface analyzed. The main result shows a reduced release time for an increased elongation of the droplets.

MeSH terms

  • Drug Delivery Systems*
  • Drug Liberation
  • Emulsions
  • Kinetics
  • Models, Theoretical*

Substances

  • Emulsions