Title : Design and development of Iontophoretic and transdermal patch of methotrexate
Abstract:
This investigation aimed to formulate and comprehensively evaluate matrix-type transdermal drug delivery systems incorporating Methotrexate (MTX) for sustained therapeutic release in Rheumatoid Arthritis management and chemotherapeutic regimens. MTX-loaded transdermal patches were meticulously fabricated employing the solvent casting methodology, utilizing synergistic combinations of hydrophilic polymers, plasticizers, and permeation enhancers to optimize matrix integrity, drug dispersion homogeneity, and controlled diffusional characteristics. Developed formulations underwent rigorous physicochemical characterization encompassing parameters such as thickness uniformity, folding endurance, moisture content, drug content uniformity, and mechanical robustness, followed by systematic ex-vivo permeation assessment utilizing Franz diffusion cells configured with porcine ear skin and dialysis membranes as biomimetic barriers. Parallel investigations under passive diffusion and iontophoretic modalities, coupled with quantitative ex-vivo release profiling via high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), yielded compelling results: passive diffusion demonstrated sustained MTX permeation attaining 97.04% cumulative release after 48 hours, while iontophoretic enhancement exhibited markedly superior kinetics with 11.78% rapid electro-osmotic delivery within the initial 15 minutes and approximately 82% cumulative permeation by 18 hours. The optimized polymeric matrix manifested exceptional controlled release proficiency across both delivery paradigms, underpinned by MTX's favourable physicochemical attributes including aqueous solubility profile and ionization characteristics at cutaneous pH. These findings substantiate therapeutic potential for enhanced bioavailability, diminished dosing frequency, and improved patient adherence.
