A Review on Recent Transdermal Drug Delivery Techniques and its Evaluation

Abstract

In today\'s world, around 74% of medications are taken orally, and many of them are discovered to be ineffective. Transdermal medication delivery systems have been developed to improve these characteristics. Many biomedical advantages linked with this technique of medication delivery have piqued the interest of researchers. Apart of it the greatest challenge, though, is to achieve high skin imperviousness. Overcome in order to distribute therapeutic molecules to the systemic circulation via this pathway. It differs from standard topical drug delivery because it is delivered through the skin. The development of transdermal medication delivery systems is a multidisciplinary endeavour that includes everything from basic feasibility studies through final product development. The demonstration of adequate drug flow in an ex vivo and/or in vivo model the construction of a medication delivery method that satisfies all of the drug molecule\'s demanding requirements. The patient (comfort and cosmetic appeal), the physicochemical and stability aspects, and the economy, as well as the manufacturer (scale-up and manufacturability). Transdermal delivery routes, penetration enhancers, and other Transdermal components. Transdermal patches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. This analysis focuses on a recent innovation in transdermal drug delivery systems that can serve as a model for pharmaceutical dosage form research and development for transdermal drug delivery. The TDDS (transdermal drug delivery system) enhances the therapeutic value of drugs. It is critical to decrease the risk of injury by defining the manner and temporal position in the body.The number and quantity of doses required to meet the goal of systemic treatment. Topical treatment on the skin\'s surface that is still intact. TDDS has a lot more benefits than typical. Route of medication distribution is the transdermal route or therapy is non-invasive and does not require any prior preparation. Passing metabolic impact, high bioavailability, and consistent medication plasma concentration. A Transdermal Patch is an adhesive patch with a medication (drug) covering that is applied on the skin to deliver a particular amount of medicine (drug) into the bloodstream over time. The focus of this study was on the transdermal administration of several herbal drugs. The fundamental goal of creating novel medication delivery systems is to provide more convenience for patients while also increasing the efficacy and safety of drugs.

Introduction

Overview of TDDS

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems (TDDS), commonly called skin patches, are designed to deliver drugs through the skin into the bloodstream in a controlled, sustained manner. While considered a reliable and effective method of drug delivery, the effectiveness depends heavily on adhesive quality, drug formulation, and skin compatibility. Common drugs delivered via TDDS include nitroglycerin, nicotine, oestrogen, and lidocaine.

Key Components of a TDDS

1. Polymer matrix/reservoir – contains the drug.

2. Backing layer – provides protection.

3. Adhesive layer – allows skin adherence and may contain the drug.

4. Release liner – removed before application.

5. Control membrane – regulates drug release.

Advantages of TDDS

• Non-invasive and painless

• Avoids first-pass metabolism

• Sustained drug release

• Improved patient compliance

Limitations

• Limited to potent drugs due to skin permeability barrier

• Skin irritation and adhesive failure (patch lifting/falling off)

• Not suitable for all drugs

Evaluation of TDDS

Physicochemical Tests

• Thickness, weight uniformity

• Drug content, moisture absorption

• Flatness, folding endurance

• Tensile strength, adhesion/tack tests (thumb tack, rolling ball, peel, probe)

• Shear strength

In Vitro Release and Permeation Tests

• Paddle over disk

• Modified USP basket

• Reciprocating disc

• Franz diffusion cell (most widely used)

• Flow-through diffusion cell

In Vivo Evaluation

• Animal models (rats, rabbits, monkeys—especially hairless species)

• Human clinical trials

  • Phase I–IV to assess safety, efficacy, and side effects

Toxicological Evaluation

• Irritant dermatitis due to adhesives or enhancers

• Evaporative water loss measurement due to stratum corneum disruption

Advanced/Novel TDDS Technologies

1. Microneedles – Tiny, painless projections that deliver drugs directly through the skin.

   • Types: Solid, coated, hollow, biodegradable

2. Macroflux – Microprojection arrays with drug coatings that create microchannels in the skin.

3. Topically Metered-Dose Transdermal Sprays (MDTS) – Sprays offering precise dosing and improved skin permeation.

4. Electrically-Based Techniques (Iontophoresis) – Uses mild electrical currents to enhance drug penetration.

   • Types:

     • Direct (passive diffusion of ions)

     • Reverse (movement of neutral/charged drugs in the opposite direction)

   • Based on Faraday’s Law – drug flux is proportional to the current.

Conclusion

Transdermal drug delivery is a painless, convenient, and potentially effective method of delivering regular doses of many medications. Improved delivery of a wide range of medications is possible. medication absorption Complications and negative effects are kept to a minimum. Low-cost and simple to use tenth example. The nicotine patch had revolutionized smoking cessation a few years ago; people were being treated with it.nitroglycerin for angina, clonidine for hypertension, scopolamine for motion sickness, and more medications. Estradiol patches are used by over a million people each year to treat estrogen insufficiency.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Rohit Lahu Birajdar, Prof. Nikhil Jadhav, Dr. Nitin. M. Gawai. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.