Finite element model for the simulation of laser activated micro- and nano-scale drug delivery systems

This paper describes a flexible model that can be used to simulate laser-based photoactivation of drug delivery systems. It considers Gaussian beams for the excitation while the heat diffusion equation is solved by use of the finite element method. As an example, a typical liposome geometry in the focal volume of a laser beam is simulated and the results are compared with experimental data obtained in the literature, showing a good agreement. The model has potential in the design of drug delivery systems as it can be a starting point for the development of new kinds of micro- and nano-scale drug delivery systems.