Franz Diffusion

Franz diffusion cells are vital to evaluating in vitro release rates and skin permeation of topical and transdermal formulations manufactured by students in the Monash labs. This apparatus consists of donor and receptor chambers separated by ex vivo skin membranes for modelling dermal drug delivery and absorption. Water-jacketed donor cells allow maintenance of physiological temperature while the receptor contains media that simulates in vivo sink conditions. Integrated sampling ports and magnetic stirring facilitate quantitative sampling for analysis. Researchers can leverage vertical diffusion cells in various sizes to assess the permeability attributes of creams, gels, emulsions, patches, and nanoparticles to optimise performance. Miniaturised microcell devices also enable high throughput screening during early development. By generating human skin equivalency data predictive of clinical outcomes, the Franz cells provide an essential in vitro platform supporting advanced research into nanocarriers, penetration enhancers, and sustained dermatological release.