title: Assessment of diffusion coefficient from mucoadhesive barrier devices using artificial neural networks.
abstract: This study is aimed to elucidate the physicodynamic phenomena governing diffusion coefficient (D) of the loaded drugs in a female controlled drug delivery system (FcDDS) and to find the most influencing variable on the diffusivity using artificial neural networks (ANN). The release profiles of sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), a topical microbicide used as a model drug, from FcDDS were obtained using in vitro apparatus, the Simulant Vaginal System (SVS), under various conditions. The effects of formulation and intrinsic/extrinsic variables on the diffusivity of SDS were assessed using artificial neural networks (ANN). The release profiles of SDS from FcDDS revealed a non-linear relationship between the diffusivity and formulation/physiological variables. Intrinsic variables (vaginal fluid pH, vaginal fluid secretion rate) have a more prominent role in defining the diffusion coefficient of SDS from FcDDS than formulation variables (formulation loading weight and loaded doses in the formulation) or extrinsic variables (inserting position). Among 5 variables, pH of vagina fluids is the most influencing factor in defining the diffusion coefficient (maximum value of 0.95+/-0.04) of SDS from FcDDS. The external exposure conditions clearly outweighed the effects of the formulation variables on the diffusion coefficient of SDS. A model-based approach can be used to assess the diffusion coefficient of loaded drugs in FcDDS under the given conditions, leading to a parameter-specific prevention strategy against sexually transmitted diseases (STD) with a high degree of confidence.
authors.affiliation: School of Computing and Engineering, School of Pharmacy, The University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO 64110, United States.
authors.forename: Yugyung
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Alok
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Khemka
authors.forename: Jin-Wook
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Yoo
authors.forename: Chi H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Lee
mesh_terms: D000269:Adhesives; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D001826:Body Fluids / Q000378:metabolism; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004058:Diffusion; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000378:metabolism; D016571:Neural Networks, Computer; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D014621:Vagina / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000269:Adhesives; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D012967:Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate