3D-Printed Modular Static Franz Diffusion Cells Holder for Transdermal Drug Delivery Studies

Franz diffusion cells represent a cornerstone tool for studying in vitro transdermal delivery of drugs in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and biomedical research. Commercially available multi-cell heating and stirring systems are expensive ($5,000–$20,000) and lack flexibility for modification or teaching purposes. To overcome these limitations, we designed and validated a low-cost, open-source, 3D-printed Modular Static Franz Diffusion Cells Holder (6-FDCH). The device integrates three custom-printed components within a PVC housing, featuring spray-foam insulation and an embedded heating bath to ensure thermal stability. A central threaded bolt and wing nut mechanism secure donor and receiver chambers, while foam inserts maintain consistent alignment and reproducibility across experiments. The system accommodates six Franz diffusion cells simultaneously, providing uniform positioning relative to a magnetic stirrer. Costing under $185, the 6-FDCH offers substantial savings, reduces assembly complexity, and facilitates routine cleaning. Its open-source, parameterized design in OpenSCAD enables broad customization and dissemination, enhancing accessibility for resource-limited laboratories. By combining affordability, reproducibility, and adaptability, this platform advances high-quality transdermal and diffusion research, supports undergraduate training, and promotes open science practices in biomedical hardware development.

弗朗兹扩散池（Franz diffusion cells）是制药、化妆品及生物医学研究中用于体外经皮给药研究的核心工具。市售的多池加热搅拌系统售价高昂（5000美元至20000美元），且难以灵活修改或用于教学场景。为克服这些局限，我们设计并验证了一款低成本、开源、3D打印的模块化静态弗朗兹扩散池支架（6-FDCH）。该装置将三个定制打印组件整合至聚氯乙烯（PVC）外壳中，搭配喷泡隔热层与嵌入式加热浴以确保热稳定性。中央的螺栓与翼形螺母结构可固定供给室与接收室，泡沫衬垫则可维持实验间的一致对准性与可重复性。该系统可同时容纳六个弗朗兹扩散池，可相对于磁力搅拌器实现均匀定位。6-FDCH的制造成本低于185美元，可大幅节约成本，降低组装复杂度，并便于日常清洁。其采用OpenSCAD实现的开源参数化设计支持广泛的定制与传播，可为资源有限的实验室提升研究可及性。凭借其经济性、可重复性与适配性，该平台可推动高质量经皮给药与扩散研究，支持本科生实训，并助力生物医学硬件开发领域的开源科学实践。