Objective:
The study aimed to prepare electrically-triggered transdermal drug delivery
systems (ETDS) using electrically responsive polyacrylamide-graft-gaur gum (PAAm-g-GaG) copolymer.
Methods:
The PAAm-g-GaG copolymer was synthesized by adopting free radical polymerization
grafting method. This PAAm-g-GaG copolymer hydrogel acts as a drug reservoir and blend films of
Guar Gum (GaG) and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) were included as Rate Controlling Membranes
(RCM) in the system. The PAAm-g-GaG copolymer was characterized by FTIR, neutralization
equivalent values, thermogravimetric analysis and elemental analysis.
Results:
On the basis of results obtained, it is implicit that the drug permeation decreased with an increase
in the concentration of glutaraldehyde and RCM thickness; while drug permeation rate was
increased with increasing applied electric current strength from 2 to 8 mA. A two fold increase in
flux values was observed with the application of DC electric current. An increase in drug permeation
was witnessed under on condition of electric stimulus and permeation was decreased when electric
stimulus was "off". The skin histopathology study confirmed the changes in skin structure when
electrical stimulus was applied.
Conclusion:
The electrically-sensitive PAAm-g-GaG copolymer is a useful biomaterial for transdermal
drug delivery application.
Modified Transdermal Technologies: Breaking the Barriers of Drug Permeation via the Skin
