Drug Delivery in the Brain
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In this study, the diffusion of nerve growth factor (NGF) from a polymeric matrix into brain tissue was simulated using the finite element method (FEM). Two release profiles were studied and it was found that a constant release rate was a much better candidate than the normal release profile achieved by a disc. The concentration profile at various points in the brain created by a constant release rate showed a sharp increase toward a steady state concentration. This is opposed to a giant spike in concentration, which subsequently drops to zero that was the result from the normal release profile. The implications of this study are that for the release of therapeutic compounds into the brain, a constant release implant is much more desirable because it avoids a huge concentration spike at the start, which can cause harmful effects, and can maintain a steady state concentration.