Numerical Simulation of Transdermal Iontophoretic Drug Delivery System

Abstract

Transdermal Iontophoretic Drug Delivery System (TIDDS) is a non-invasive method of systemic drug delivery that involves by applying a drug formulation to the skin. The drug penetrates through the stratum corneum, epidermis and dermis layers. Once the drug reaches the dermal layer, it is available for systemic absorption via dermal microcirculation. However, clinical testing of new drug developed for the iontophoretic system is a long and complex process. Recently, most of those major pharmaceutical companies have attempted to consider computer-based bio-simulation strategies as a means of generating the data necessary to help make a better decision. In this work, we used computational modelling to investigate the TIDDS behaviour. Our interest is to study the efficacy of drug diffusion through transdermal delivery, including the thermal effect on the skin. We found that drug will be delivered more efficiently if the electrical potential and the position of electrodes are optimum. We analysed the drug diffusion time of the system using 1,3 and 5 mA DC source. In addition, we also modify the electrode distance from 10 mm to 30 mm long and analysed the effect of delivery time and d effect to the skin thermal. We conclude that, a high electrical current, as instance, a 5 mA DC, delivered the drug faster into the skin but increased the skin temperature because of skin joule heating effect. However, a 30 mm electrodes distance setting decreased the skin temperature significantly than the 10 mm distance with more than 9.7 °C under 5 mA DC and 60 minutes of operation. TIDDS enhanced drug delivery compared to oral consumption and might be suitable used for localizing treatments such as chronic disease. This work provides great potential and is useful to efficiently design of iontophoretic drug delivery system including new drugs delivery applications.