Human artificial membranes in (bio)analytical science: Potential for in vitro prediction of intestinal absorption-A review

Abstract Artificial membranes for investigation of the human absorption (oral, dermal or respiratory) of target organic compounds are aimed at mimicking the interactions occurring within the lipid membrane. Biomolecules such as proteins are also integral components of the lipid membranes and play a pivotal role towards understanding the complex mechanisms of human absorption. In this review, we will differentiate biomimetic platforms based on static (batchwise) and dynamic modes. In the former, a synthetic membrane placed between two phases (donor and acceptor) mimics a given biological system to study permeability. Parallel artificial membrane permeation assays are the most common approaches for static mode. As to dynamic modes, there is a plethora of bioanalytical techniques such as immobilized artificial membrane chromatography, biopartitioning micellar chromatography or immobilized plasma protein chromatography. In any case, all of the dynamic approaches capitalize upon analytical separation techniques such as liquid chromatography and the use of the chromatographic factors to predict permeability and other bioparameters. However, improvements in the fabrication of novel sorptive materials or the development of innovative techniques/approaches to enhance the prediction capability of permeability by simulated membranes has been left in the background. For this reason, this review covers the current state-of-the-art of immobilized artificial membranes in bioanalytical science with particular focus on new materials and techniques reported from 2015 to mid-2021. Future perspectives related to the fabrication of innovative artificial membranes for in vitro intestinal absorption studies have been highlighted so as to encourage fundamental studies in this research area.