In-Silico Modelling of Transdermal Delivery of Macromolecule Drugs Assisted by a Skin Stretching Hypobaric Device

Objectives To develop a simulation model to explore the interplay between mechanical stretch and diffusion of large molecules into the skin under locally applied hypobaric pressure, a novel penetration enhancement method. Methods Finite element method was used to model the skin mechanical deformation and molecular diffusion processes, with validation against in-vitro transdermal permeation experiments. Simulations and experimental data were used together to investigate the transdermal permeation of large molecules under local hypobaric pressure. Results Mechanical simulations resulted in skin stretching and thinning (20