Science of, and insights into, thermodynamic principles for dermal formulations

Abstract

Studies have demonstrated the significant role of the thermodynamic activity of drugs in skin drug delivery. This thermodynamic activity works as a driving force for increasing/improving the absorption of drugs by the skin. It can be changed according to the physicochemical parameters (e.g., solubility, partition coefficient, and water activity) of the drug in the vehicle. Thermodynamic principles have been used for the development of novel topical and transdermal delivery systems, demonstrating the importance of thermodynamic activity in enhancing drug permeation through the skin. In this review, we provide insights into thermodynamic principles and their roles in optimizing topical and transdermal drug delivery systems.

Keywords: cancer therapeutics; diffusion; flux; partitioning; percutaneous absorption; permeant/drug; skin toxicology; stratum corneum; topical and transdermal drug delivery.