Impact of various electromagnetic fields on the transdermal permeability of naproxen and the effect of active compound exposure on magnetic field properties

Abstract

Transdermal drug delivery systems present a promising alternative to oral administration, though improving skin permeability of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) remains challenging. This study examines how various electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affect the transdermal permeability of naproxen (NAP) and its physicochemical properties. Using pigskin as a model, NAP permeability was tested under oscillating, pulsed, static, and rotating magnetic fields (RMF), compared to a control group without EMF exposure. The results show significant differences in NAP permeability depending on EMF type, with RMF at 50 Hz yielding the highest cumulative permeation mass (CPM) of 1461.40 ± 256.15 µg/cm², compared to 267.57 ± 41.74 µg/cm² for the control. RMF 50 Hz also maximized steady-state flux (J_SS) and permeability coefficient (K_P), highlighting its potential for enhanced transdermal delivery. Conversely, static magnetic fields with negative polarization reduced permeation, showing a complex interaction between magnetic fields and skin permeability. The study also found that RMF treatments lowered NAP skin accumulation, improving permeation efficiency. Physicochemical analyses (FTIR, XRD, solubility, and lipophilicity) revealed that while EMF exposure did not significantly change NAP’s crystal structure, it did affect solubility and partition coefficient. This research highlights the potential of optimizing EMF parameters to enhance transdermal drug delivery and provides insights into the physicochemical interactions between EMFs and active compounds. The findings suggest that rotating magnetic fields, particularly at 50 Hz, offer the most significant improvement in drug permeability, which could be beneficial for developing advanced transdermal delivery systems.