A two-phase model for drug release from microparticles with combined effects of solubilisation and recrystallisation

The present study aims to provide a comprehensive mathematical model for drug release from microparticles to the adjacent tissues. In the elucidation of drug release mechanisms, the role of mathematical modelling has been depicted thereby facilitating the development of new therapeutic drug by a systematic approach, rather than expensive experimental trial-and-error methods. In order to study the whole process, a two-phase mathematical model describing the dynamics of drug transport in two coupled media is presented. Drug release is described taking into consideration both solubilisation dynamics of drug crystallites and diffusion of the solubilised drug through the microparticle. In the coupled media, reversible dissociation/recystallisation processes are taking place. The model has led to a system of partial differential equations that are solved analytically. The model points out the important roles played by the diffusion, mass-transfer and reaction parameters, which are the main architects behind drug kinetics across two layers. The dependence of drug masses on the main parameters is also analysed.