Abstract
The proximal part of the colon offers opportunities to prolong the absorption window following oral administration of a drug. In this work, we used computer simulations to understand how the hydrodynamics in the proximal colon might affect the release from dosage forms designed to target the colon. For this purpose, we developed and compared three different models: a completely-filled colon, a partially-filled colon and a partially-filled colon with a gaseous phase present (gas-liquid model).
The highest velocities of the liquid were found in the completely-filled model, which also shows the best mixing profile, defined by the distribution of tracking particles over time. No significant differences with regard to the mixing and velocity profiles were found between the partially-filled model and the gas-liquid model. The fastest transit time of an undissolved tablet was found in the completely-filled model. The velocities of the liquid in the gas-liquid model are slightly higher along the colon than in the partially-filled model. The filling level has an impact on the exsisting shear forces and shear rates, which are decisive factors in the development of new drugs and formulations.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 103819 |
Journal | Computers in Biology and Medicine |
Volume | 121 |
Early online date | 18 May 2020 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jun 2020 |
Keywords
- Colon
- Drug delivery
- Fluid dynamics
- Fluid-structure interactions
- Large intestine
- Mathematical modelling
- Peristalsis
- Proximal colon
- Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Computer Science Applications
- Health Informatics