Franz Diffusion Cell Approach for Pre-Formulation Characterisation of Ketoprofen Semi-Solid Dosage Forms

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate and compare, using the methodology of Franz diffusion cells, the ketoprofen (KTP) releasing profiles of two formulations: A gel and a conventional suspension. The second aim was to show that this methodology might be easily applied for the development of semi-solid prototypes and claim proof in pre-formulation stages. Drug release analysis was carried out under physiological conditions (pH: 5.6 to 7.4; ionic strength 0.15 M; at 37 °C) for 24 h. Three independent vertical Franz cells were used with a nominal volume of the acceptor compartment of 125 mL and a diffusion area of 2.5 cm2. Additionally, two different membranes were evaluated: A generic type (regenerated cellulose) and a transdermal simulation type (Strat-M®). The KTP permeation profiles demonstrated that depending on the membrane type and the vehicle used, the permeation is strongly affected. High permeation efficiencies were obtained for the gel formulation, and the opposite effect was observed for the suspension formulation. Moreover, the permeation studies using Strat-M membranes represent a reproducible methodology, which is easy to implement for pre-formulation stage or performance evaluation of semi-solid pharmaceutical products for topical or transdermal administration.

Ultrasound-induced microbubble cavitation via a transcanal or transcranial approach facilitates inner ear drug delivery

“…In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration suggested that the use of synthetic membranes, such as polysulfone or cellulose acetate, in drug-diffusion studies involving Franz cells is suitable for assessing the performance of topical formulations when biological skin is not readily available (24,25). This led to several studies that assessed topical drug diffusion using porous synthetic membranes (24,26,27). For assessment of in vitro inner ear drug delivery, several formulations and methodologies have been investigated using a modified diffusion cell setup with a synthetic membrane (4.5-5.0 μm pore size) (28-31).…”

In Vitro Release Testing of Acyclovir Topical Formulations Using Immersion Cells

“…13 A number of reports in the literature have pointed out that the type of the barrier membrane used during the IVRT has a significant impact on the release of a drug from its semisolid formulation. 13,[15][16][17][18] The synthetic membrane should provide inert support and least diffusional resistance to the drug. Nitrocellulose, Fluoropore, and Durapore membranes (same thickness and pore size) were selected to study the release of acyclovir from its cream preparation.…”

Ellagic Acid Containing Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Topical Application: A Preliminary Study

“…Moreover, as expected, the influence of the pH on the receiving phase is appreciable. Indeed, as indicated by literature, pH influences the release, solubility, and permeation of acidic drugs [33][34][35][36]. It is interesting to see that at pH typical of skin surface, which ideally should be slightly acidic being comprised in the acidic range from pH 4.0 to 7.0 [33], the release of EA is higher as compared to the same formulation tested at neutral pH (i.e., pH 7.4) (see Figure 3 and Table 5).…”