Automatic multicommmutated flow system for diffusion studies of pharmaceuticals through artificial enteric membrane

An automatic flow procedure with spectrophotometric detection was developed for the study of pharmaceuticals diffusion through an artificial enteric membrane. The manifold comprised two independent flow pathways, gathered by a diffusion unit with two compartments and an enteric lipophilic membrane. The pathways were automatically filled with solutions simulating digestive and plasmatic conditions by means of four solenoid valves. The diffusion of pharmaceuticals from the enteric to the plasmatic compartment was performed in closed loop pathways, and was continuously monitored by a flow cell coupled to the acceptor solution pathway. The volumes of the digestive and plasmatic solutions were 6.0 and 3.6 ml, respectively, which comprised filling unit compartment, pumping tubing and connecting flow lines. Pumping flow rates of donor and acceptor solutions were maintained at 6.0 and 2.5 ml min(-1), respectively. The proposed system was employed in diffusion studies of caffeine and aminophylline, and in the evaluation of the influence of tensioactive agents on the diffusion process. After continuous solutions circulation for 60 min, caffeine concentration in the acceptor stream was ca. 18% of its initial concentration at the digestive compartment. The system could be programmed to perform several replicates, stopping them with different degrees of diffusion without operator assistance. The data generated by the spectrophotometer was read by the microcomputer as a time function, and stored for further mathematical treatment.