Drug transport and pharmacokinetics for chemical engineers

A series of laboratory experiments, based on principles of chemical processes, to address questions of clinical relevance with knowledge of drug delivery and pharmacokinetics is discussed. The one-compartment model offers the simplest way to describe the kinetics of drug absorption and elimination in the body. Based on this representation, the body behaves like a well-stirred vessel. After a rapid intravenous injection (IV Bolus), the pharmaceutic distributes to rapidly perfused tissues and reaches the systemic circulation instantaneously. After a single-dose administration, the plasma drug level immediately rises above a minimum effective concentration. Two main parameters were adjusted in developing a dosage regime: the size of the dose and the administration frequency. The study demonstrated why the drug strength and dosing interval are important for treatment. Based on feedback and oral testimonies from students of ChE427/BME427, simulations based on first-principle modeling have been demonstrated to foster a better understanding of graduate courses in pharmaceutical engineering.