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A random walk model of skin permeation.

Frasch HF

Risk Anal 2002 Apr; 22(2):265-276

https://doi.org/10.1111/0272-4332.00024

20022345

A new mathematical model for permeability of chemicals in aqueous vehicle through skin is presented. The rationale for this model is to represent diffusion by its fundamental molecular mechanism, i.e., random thermal motion. Diffusion is modeled as a two-dimensional random walk through the biphasic (lipid and corneocyte) stratum corneum (SC). This approach permits calculations of diffusion phenomena in a morphologically realistic SC structure. Two concepts are key in the application of the model to the prediction of steady-state skin permeability coefficients: "effective diffusivity'' and "effective path length,'' meaning the diffusivity and thickness of a homogeneous membrane having identical permeation properties as the stratum corneum. Algebraic expressions for these two variables are developed as functions of the molecular weight and octanol-water partition coefficient of the diffusing substance. Combining these with expressions for membrane-vehicle partition coefficient and permeability of the aqueous epidermis enables the calculation of steady-state skin permeability coefficients. The resulting four-parameter algebraic model was regressed against the "Flynn data base'' with excellent results (R 2=0.84; SE=0.0076; F=154; N=94). The model provides insight into the contributions of stratum corneum diffusivity and effective path lengths to overall skin permeability and may prove useful in the prediction of non-steady-state diffusion phenomena.

Risk-analysis; Risk-factors; Mathematical-models; Exposure-methods; Chemical-properties; Quantitative-analysis; Diffusion-analysis; Molecular-biology; Molecular-structure; Skin; Skin-absorption; Skin-exposure; Skin-tests; In-vitro-study; Cell-wall-permeability; Cellular-function; Cellular-transport-mechanism; Lipids; Proteins; Protein-chemistry

Fred Frasch, Ph.D., NIOSH, MS L-3030, 1095 Willowdale Rd., Morgantown, WV 26505

RIANDF

20020401

Journal Article

hbf9@cdc.gov

2002

2

0272-4332

HELD

Research Tools and Approaches: Exposure Assessment Methods

Risk Analysis

WV