A holistic continuum model-based approach to drug release

In the present paper, we propose a mechanistic mathematical model describing the process of drug release from a drug delivery system. This model takes various aspects of drug release into account, namely gradual penetration of the surrounding solution into the system, dissolution of solid drug particles embedded within, diffusion of the dissolved drug, dissolution of the carrier and its collapse. Modeling the various processes in a holistic physics-based approach allows us to describe, first, the phenomenon of a sudden burst of drug release after a few weeks and, second, the premature termination of the release, which can be observed on drug release curves, for example, these described in Macha et al. (Front Bioeng Biotechnol 7(37):1-14, 2019), Trang et al. (Mater Today Proc 17:836-845, 2019) or Tang et al. (Dalton Trans 39(18):4435-4439, 2010).

Automated summary

This paper presents a mechanistic mathematical model describing the process of drug release from a drug delivery system, considering various factors such as solution penetration, dissolution of solid drug particles, drug diffusion, carrier dissolution, and collapse. The model allows for the description of sudden burst and premature termination of drug release observed in drug release curves.