Theme

Science and Technology

Systematic Literature Review of Diffusion Coefficient Studies for Pharmaceutically-Active Compounds

Authors

Gerard Daniel L. Gonzales, De La Salle University Integrated School, LagunaFollow
Rachel Leah V. Luzano, De La Salle University Integrated School, LagunaFollow
David Bryan G. Unabia, De La Salle University Integrated School, LagunaFollow
Victoria Gail N. Vasco, De La Salle University Integrated School, LagunaFollow
Allan N. Soriano, De La Salle University, Department of Chemical Engineering, Gokongwei College of EngineeringFollow

Research Advisor

Dr. Allan N. Soriano

Abstract

Pharmaceutically-active compounds (PHACs) such as analgesics, antibiotics, hormones, and antiseptics have been proven beneficial to human life as they can cure illnesses and increase life expectancy. However, heightened usage has led to their emergence in various bodies of water. This has negatively impacted humankind and the environment due to these compounds’ toxicity levels and adverse health effects on living organisms. Therefore, this systematic literature review evaluated the existing literature on the diffusion coefficients of various PHACs. The diffusion coefficient of these compounds serves as a parameter that measures their transport through hydrological mediums and is inversely proportional to molecular size. This review focused on the prevalence of different types of PHACs, the methods used in these diffusion studies, and other affecting parameters. Upon conducting the review, it was determined that analgesics, followed by antibiotics, were the most frequently reported and studied PHACs found in bodies of water. Moreover, the Taylor Dispersion Method and molecular modeling were the most popular methods of diffusion coefficient. At the same time, measurements using electric conductivity were preferred mainly due to convenience in terms of simplicity and cost-effectiveness. Observations of related parameters, such as temperature and molecular size, mostly aligned with the previously established theory with diffusion coefficients of PHACs’ particles, have a direct relationship with temperature and an inverse relationship with molecular size.

Recommended Citation

Gonzales, Gerard Daniel L.; Luzano, Rachel Leah V.; Unabia, David Bryan G.; Vasco, Victoria Gail N.; and Soriano, Allan N. (2023) "Systematic Literature Review of Diffusion Coefficient Studies for Pharmaceutically-Active Compounds," Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students: Vol. 2: Iss. 1, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59588/3027-9283.1056
Available at: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/sinaya/vol2/iss1/4