Purpose: This study was conducted to characterize UV imaging as a platform for performing in vitro release studies using Nicorette® nicotine patches as a model drug delivery system.
Methods: The rate of nicotine release from 2 mm diameter patch samples (Nicorette®) into 0.067 M phosphate buffer, pH 7.40, was studied by UV imaging (Actipix SDI300 dissolution imaging system) at 254 nm. The release rates were compared to those obtained using the paddle-over-disk method.
Results: Calibration curves were successfully established which allowed temporally and spatially resolved quantification of nicotine. Release profiles obtained from UV imaging were in qualitative agreement with results from the paddle-over-disk release method.
Conclusion: Visualization as well as quantification of nicotine concentration gradients was achieved by UV imaging in real time. UV imaging has the potential to become an important technology platform for conducting in vitro drug release studies.