Lanolin-Based Synthetic Membranes as Percutaneous Absorption Models for Transdermal Drug Delivery

The major in vitro permeation studies are currently performed in Franz-type diffusion cells because of their simplicity, cost effectiveness and because the experimental conditions can be easily controlled. Apart from the skin, Franz-type diffusion cells can be used with synthetic membranes. Nevertheless, they do not emulate the nature of the lipidic matrix, which is responsible for the topical barrier function.

This paper offers two new approaches combining different synthetic membranes (Strat-M^® and Nucleopore^®) with lanolin, which provides lipidic components similar to the lipidic matrix.

The molecular structure of lanolin was studied in membranes by attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR). The water permeability and absorption of lidocaine, diclofenac sodium and betamethasone dipropionate were also studied and compared against free-lanolin membranes and skin.

The results showed an increasing barrier function after lanolin application in both membranes, resulting in a decrease in water permeability. Observing the IR spectra, the lateral packaging of the lipid in the synthetic membranes seems to emulate the orthorhombic disposition from the stratum corneum. Moreover, the three substances applied to the lanolin-containing membranes have a similar absorption to that of the skin.

In conclusion, combining synthetic membranes with lanolin may be a useful approach to mimic topical actives’ absorption.