Copley Scientific, a leading manufacturer of laboratory testing equipment, has introduced a new Vertical Diffusion Cell (VDC) for efficient in vitro skin permeation studies. The VDC will find application in R&D in chemical, pharmaceutical, cosmetics and other industries. As with Copley’s existing VDCs, the new cell is designed for use with the HDT 1000 Vertical Diffusion Cell Test System; a compact heater stirrer unit for precisely controlled benchtop testing, and the Copley Vacuum De-aeration apparatus. Drug delivery to, or through, the skin is an important approach for various drug types. Topical creams, ointments and gels (semisolid products) are intended to remain on the skin surface where they release an active substance to achieve a localized effect, the relief of a dermatological condition, for example. In contrast, transdermal formulations such as nicotine patches must deliver their active substance through the skin and into the bloodstream for systemic effect. In each case, specific testing is required during product development and quality control of finished products – either to show topical release, or to demonstrate permeation and absorption. To meet these requirements, Copley Scientific has now added the skin specific cell to its range of VDCs. The new cell has a surface diameter of 15 mm, surface area of ~ 1.77 cm2 and volume of 12 mL. The cell comes with a screw cap designed for “open” or “closed” use, accommodating the complete range of skin and membranes used for semisolid and permeability testing: ‘epidermal’ (approximately 0.1 mm thick), ‘split-thickness’ (approximately 0.2 – 0.5 mm thick) and ‘full-thickness’ (0.5 – 1 mm thick). Copley also offers two other cells – Types ‘B’ and ‘C’, both available in “open” and “closed” top format, targeting semisolids testing in accordance with United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapter <1724> where thin, artificial membranes are used.
Each cell comprises three main parts: a top sample holder to contain the sample of product to be tested, and a bottom reservoir with the receptor medium. These are separated by a support ring that firmly holds the membrane or skin in place. This construction allows diffusion to take place and ensures that the membrane remains in contact with the receptor medium throughout the testing procedure.

In order to accommodate ‘full thickness’ membranes or skin, and in contrast to the Type ‘B’ and ‘C’ cells, which use a 3-pronged spring clip, a new screw-type cell closure mechanism has been developed for the skin specific cell that ensures proper contact between the sample and the receptor medium. All components of the cell are made from FDA-approved inert materials and a side sampling arm facilitates easy filling, sample withdrawal and media replacement. Anna Sipitanou, Business Development Manager at Copley Scientific, commented: “The addition of
this innovative cell to our range opens up new possibilities for our customers. Some may standardise on the skin specific cell as it can accommodate all thicknesses of membrane in one unit; others will now be able to consider new procedures that need much thicker membranes. At Copley, we pride ourselves on developing novel solutions to common industry challenges and I am pleased that now, whether they are performing in vitro release testing of topical creams, ointments and gels; assessing the performance of a transdermal products; or investigating the effects of chemicals on the skin; we have a robust testing solution that will meet all requirements.”