ABSTRACT:
In the present study, a new design for diffusion cell was developed for in-vitro transdermal permeation. The cell consists of an inlet compartment, a donor compartment and a receptor compartment by increasing depth of an inlet compartment. This cell maintains sink condition easily as compared to static Franz diffusion cell. The performance of the cells was tested with permeation experiment using Nimesulide as a model drug for permeation through membrane. Diffusion study was carried out for the period of eight hours. Newer design was given better performance as compared to Franz Diffusion Cell. The manual sampling of the Franz cell requires constant attention during experiment. Air bubbles are easily formed in the receptor compartment while withdrawing samples. Entrapment of air bubbles was avoided in newer design by increasing depth of inlet compartment. The depth of the inlet compartment was important to avoid air bubbles entrapment in the receptor compartment in the newer design. Newer designs avoid the entrapment of air bubbles in the receptor compartment and maintain sink condition. Different transdermal gels were prepared using various gel bases. The polymers selected were Na CMC, MC and HPMC. In vitro permeation study was performed using rat skin. Formulated gel containing methyl cellulose found to be more stable. Methyl cellulose containing Nimesulide was found to better in all aspects compared to other gel formulations and this was comparable to the marketed gel.