Two-dimensional finite element analysis of a polymer gel drug delivery system

Hydrogels are being investigated as drug delivery mechanisms. Gels can be impregnated with a drug and then stimulated through various means to release it. Having the capability to predict the dynamic behaviour of the release process numerically would benefit the design and control of such a process. In this paper, a finite element analysis is used to simulate the dynamic behaviour of an eroding polyelectrolyte gel. The gel is impregnated in a collapsed state. It is then subjected to a higher pH environment, causing it to swell. When it has swollen to a specified extent, the gel erodes, thereby releasing the drug agent. Such gels are currently being investigated in drug delivery schemes to the colon.