Does skin permeation kinetics influence efficacy of topical dermal drug delivery system?

Abstract

Skin permeation is an integral part of penetration of topical therapeutics. Zero order in addition to Higuchi permeation kinetic is usually preferred in topical drug delivery cargo. Penetration of therapeutic entities through epidermal barrier is a major challenge for scientific fraternity. Furthermore, penetration of therapeutic entities determines the transportation and ultimately therapeutic efficacy of topical dermal dosage forms. Apart from experimentation models, mathematical equations, in silico docking, molecular dynamics (MDs), and artificial neural network (Neural) techniques are being used to assess free energies and prediction of electrostatic attractions in order to predict the permeation phenomena of therapeutic entities. Therefore, in the present review, we have summarized the significance of kinetic equations, in silico docking, MDs, and ANN in assessing and predicting the penetration behavior of topical therapeutics through dermal dosage form. In addition, the role of chitosan biomacromolecule in modulating permeation of topical therapeutics in skin has also been illustrated using computational techniques.