Molecularly imprinted polymers as nicotine transdermal delivery systems

• The feasibility of MIPs was evaluated as carriers for nicotine delivery in the skin.
• The drug–polymer interactions were established between the nicotine and the polymer.
• The selective adsorption of drug within the imprinted matrix modifies its diffusion.
• Selective sites on the imprinted matrix led to minor deviations in permeation assays.

The aim of the present study was to prepare molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) with nicotine as the template drug and to evaluate the feasibility of these materials as excipients for the controlled transdermal delivery of nicotine. To achieve this goal, MIPs were synthesised by a free radical polymerisation method using methacrylic acid as the monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as the cross-linker. Polymer particles were prepared and included in transdermal systems with vehicles of different polarities. Characterisation studies employed the appropriate techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy and thermal analysis, to study the morphology of the particles, drug–polymer interactions and compatibility. Based on the results, in the MIP particles, non-covalent drug–polymer interactions were established by nicotine adsorption, mainly in non-polar vehicles. The drug release kinetics was fitted to Higuchi model, indicating drug diffusion from polymer matrix. Additionally, the diffusion of the drug from the polymer matrix can be modified by selective sites in the imprinted polymer carrier. Therefore, MIPs can be considered as suitable candidates for the controlled transdermal administration of nicotine.

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