Skin-mimicking phantom for evaluating drug penetration rates

Skin-mimicking phantom with a stepped ABS body for evaluating drug permeability of ultrasound and plasma devices

This technology features a skin-mimicking phantom where an upward-opening internal space in an ABS body is covered by a membrane. A stepped section around the membrane secures the ultrasound or plasma probe, and the system is configured to recover permeated drugs through a solvent transfer unit and tube.

Glass Franz diffusion cells are complex in structure and vulnerable to plasma or ultrasound-induced voltage, posing a risk of breakage during analysis. Furthermore, since probe sizes vary by device, custom cells are required; however, glass is difficult and expensive to customize.

By using ABS, which offers excellent impact, heat, and chemical resistance and is easy to 3D print, this technology allows for the rapid and cost-effective production of phantoms tailored to specific probe dimensions. The stepped section secures the probe, and the addition of a stirrer and blood vessel-mimicking tubes enables the simulation of realistic skin permeation conditions. It can be applied to performance testing for ultrasound and plasma beauty devices, as well as transdermal absorption analysis for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and hair dyes, allowing for quantitative comparison of absorption performance across different devices under standardized conditions.

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Key Features:

• A skin-mimicking phantom comprising a body with an upward-opening internal space and a membrane placed over the body to cover said space
• A configuration including a solvent transfer unit for injecting or discharging solvent into the internal space and a solvent transfer tube connecting the exterior of the body to the internal space
• A structure where the body includes a stepped section outside the membrane, and the area of the probe applying the drug onto the membrane is smaller than the area inside the stepped section
• A skin-mimicking phantom comprising an ABS body, a probe generating ultrasound or plasma, and blood vessel-mimicking tubes inside the body

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