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Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Modeling Transcuticular Uptake from Particle-Based Formulations of Lipophilic Products
Joseph R Elliott1, Richard G Compton1
1Department of Chemistry, Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3QZ, Great Britain.
This study models how lipophilic agrochemicals enter plants through leaf cuticles. The indirect pathway, involving release into formulation droplets, is usually dominant for pesticide uptake.
Area of Science:
- Agrochemicals and Crop Protection
- Mathematical Modeling
- Plant Physiology
Background:
- Lipophilic agrochemicals are crucial for crop protection.
- Understanding their uptake across the leaf cuticle is vital for formulation efficiency.
- Current models often simplify the complex interactions between particles, formulations, and plant surfaces.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model for lipophilic agrochemical uptake from particles into the leaf cuticle.
- To identify and analyze direct and indirect uptake pathways.
- To investigate the influence of key parameters on agrochemical penetration.
Main Methods:
- Development of a mathematical model simulating agrochemical transport.
- Numerical simulations of particle-droplet-cuticle interactions.
- Analysis of limiting cases for direct and indirect uptake pathways.
Main Results:
- Two primary uptake pathways were identified: direct (particle-cuticle contact) and indirect (release into droplet).
- The indirect pathway is generally dominant, especially when pesticide release is not kinetically limited.
- A novel
- leaching effect
- was identified, highlighting pathway mutual exclusivity.
Conclusions:
- The mathematical model provides insights into agrochemical penetration mechanisms.
- Formulation design should consider particle release kinetics and droplet interactions for optimal efficacy.
- The indirect uptake pathway is critical for enhancing pesticide delivery into plants.
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