Numerical method to characterise capsule membrane permeability for controlled drug delivery

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Capsule characterization, particularly membrane permeability, is complex due to numerous preparation factors.
• Accurate permeability data is essential for designing effective controlled release systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a novel inverse method for characterizing capsule membrane permeability to solute molecules.
• To apply this method to experimental data for determining capsule permeability in drug delivery contexts.

Main Methods:

• An inverse approach utilizing Fick's second law with a position-dependent diffusion coefficient.
• Numerical solutions computed via a finite difference scheme in spherical coordinates for multilayer diffusion.
• Validation through semi-analytical solutions and three-dimensional lattice Boltzmann simulations.

Main Results:

• The proposed finite difference scheme accurately models solute transport across capsule membranes.
• The inverse method successfully determined capsule membrane permeability using literature data for glucose release.
• The method demonstrates ease of use and correctness in permeability determination.

Conclusions:

• The novel inverse method provides a reliable and straightforward approach for characterizing capsule membrane permeability.
• This technique has significant implications for the design and optimization of controlled drug release and absorption systems.