MODELING AND OPTIMIZATION OF DRUG-RELEASE FROM LAMINATED POLYMER MATRIX DEVICES

The design and modeling of drug delivery devices using laminated layer s to produce spatially nonuniform matrix devices leading to desired re lease rates were investigated with the focus on their optimal laminate d hydrogel matrices for the diffusion-controlled release of dissolved drugs. The model consists of polymer layers laminated together through a photopolymerization process to form matrices with a spatially nonun iform initial drug distribution and/or nonuniform drug diffusivities. The model solution establishes that the drug diffusion behavior especi ally the early time release behavior, can be manipulated by altering s patially nonuniform initial drug distributions and drug diffusivities ities in the assembly. Furthermore, optimal control theory and calculu s of variation were used to determine a set of initial drug concentrat ions in the layers to attain a system that exhibits a drug release pro file as close to required profile as possible for all time.