Numerical Investigation of Analytical Models of Drug Flux Through Microporated Skin

Abstract

In this study, drug flux through microporated skin was modeled using detailed numerical solution of the diffusion equation. The results of the modeling were compared to previously published simplified and easy to use analytical equations. Limitations and accuracy of these equations were investigated. Appropriate modifications of the equations were identified to expand them to wider practical applications when pore shape is not circular. Numerical simulations have shown a good accuracy of the new simple equations when these are used within their limits of application.

Keywords: diffusion process; flux prediction; microporation; numerical simulation; transdermal drug delivery.