Electromagnetic field-assisted process intensification for transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen: Influence on physicochemical properties, permeability, and skin accumulation

• Electromagnetic fields significantly enhanced the transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen. • PMF (10/10) and RMF (50 Hz) increased flux over 10-fold compared to the control. • FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TG confirmed no chemical degradation after EMF exposure. • EMF-exposed samples showed altered solubility and lipophilicity, aiding absorption. • EMFs offer a promising, non-invasive strategy to optimize transdermal drug delivery. This study investigates the impact of electromagnetic fields (EMFs) on the transdermal delivery of flurbiprofen (FLUR), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Flurbiprofen samples were exposed to different EMF types—oscillating (OMF), pulsating (PMF), static (SMF, both positive and negative), and rotating magnetic fields (RMF)—and their permeability through porcine skin was assessed using Franz diffusion cells. The most significant enhancement was observed with PMF (10/10), which increased the steady-state flux (JSS) from 21.78 µg/cm²·h (control) to 233.89 µg/cm²·h. RMF at 50 Hz also markedly improved permeability, yielding a JSS of 103.61 µg/cm²·h. Physicochemical analyses (FTIR, XRD, DSC, TG) revealed no degradation or chemical changes, though minor alterations in crystallinity and thermal parameters were noted. Changes in solubility and lipophilicity were dependent on EMF type, with RMF 50 Hz showing the highest aqueous solubility (43.14 mg/L). Overall, the findings support the use of EMFs, particularly RMF and PMF, as effective, non-invasive enhancers for transdermal drug delivery of FLUR, offering a pathway to improved bioavailability and reduced systemic side effects.