Permeability Testing with the Transwell System: How to Accelerate Product Validation in R&D

Robson Amaral, PhD.
Oct 18
4 min read

The revolution of permeability studies in scientific innovation

In recent years, permeability testing has established itself as an indispensable tool for pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies seeking innovation based on solid scientific research. This methodology allows us to understand how different substances cross biological barriers, making it essential for the development of drugs, cosmetics, supplements, and medical devices.

However, many decision-makers still do not fully understand how investing in permeability testing can directly impact the acceleration of R&D (research and development) projects and the reduction of operating costs, especially in sectors involving genetics, microbiology, and immunology.

What is permeability testing and why is it crucial?

Permeability testing is an assay that evaluates the ability of compounds to cross biological or synthetic membranes. Primarily using the Transwell system , this analysis simulates in vitro physiological conditions, providing predictive data on product absorption, distribution, and efficacy, contributing to advances in cell biology and molecular biology .

These tests are used to:

Predict oral bioavailability of drugs and supplements;
Assess skin penetration of cosmetics and dermocosmetics;
Study crossing the blood-brain barrier;
Validate innovative drug delivery systems,
Compose development strategies in personalized medicine.

How does permeability testing impact product development?

In a market where agility and precision are competitive differentiators, investing in permeability testing is more than just following regulatory protocols; it's about ensuring that your products have a robust scientific basis from the initial stages of development.

In practice, permeability studies allow:

Optimize formulations before costly clinical trials;
Identify absorption and metabolism mechanisms;
Reduce the risk of failures in advanced stages of development,
Accelerate regulatory approvals with consistent data.

Transwell System: the gold standard technology for permeability studies

One of the key differentiators of Base Científica is its mastery of validated technologies for permeability analysis. Among these, the Transwell system occupies a central position in our protocols.

This platform allows:

Simulate different types of biological barriers;
Work with multiple experimental conditions simultaneously;
Obtain accurate quantitative data on molecular transport,
Conduct studies on kinetics and absorption mechanisms.

By applying the Transwell system to cellular research, we are able to generate scientific evidence that makes decision-making safer in research and development projects.

How the Scientific Base works in R&D with permeability testing

At Base Científica, we operate as a research and development laboratory, offering customized solutions for companies that want to:

Validate permeability of new active compounds;
Develop drug delivery systems;
Have access to analyses with the validated Transwell system ;
Conduct preclinical studies on demand with a regulatory focus.

We offer a complete structure for:

Experimental design optimized for your goals;
Technical execution with a team specialized in molecular biology;
Delivery of analytical reports ready for regulatory submissions.

Whether for pharmaceutical, cosmetic, or nutraceutical development, our focus is on generating results that make scientific, regulatory, and commercial sense.

Why invest in permeability testing now?

With the growing demand for scientific proof of efficacy and safety, there is no longer room for development based solely on trial and error. The use of well-structured permeability testing accelerates innovation, reduces risks, and adds scientific value to developed products.

Furthermore, having an R&D laboratory with expertise in the Transwell system makes your development strategy more competitive and aligned with international regulatory requirements.

Cases where the permeability test made a difference

Companies that applied permeability testing in the development of new products were able to:

Identify formulations with greater bioavailability in the initial phases;
Optimize controlled release systems based on real data;
Obtain robust scientific evidence for regulatory processes,
Reduce development time and cost by up to 40%.

Differentiated methodology: beyond the conventional Transwell system

Our integrated approach combines permeability testing with other advanced technologies:

Flow cytometry : for cell characterization and viability;
Molecular biology : transporter expression analysis;
Product validation : customized protocols for each application;
Cellular research : specific models for different biological barriers.

This combination allows not only measuring permeability, but also understanding mechanisms involved in molecular transport.

Regulatory Compliance: Your Competitive Advantage

All of our permeability tests follow good laboratory practices (GLP) and are aligned with FDA, EMA, and ANVISA guidelines. This compliance ensures reliable results, which can be used in:

Regulatory submission processes;
Product validation for different markets;
Preclinical and clinical research,
Development of international technical dossiers.

Advanced technology for accurate results

Our Transwell system is integrated with:

Quantitative analysis equipment (HPLC-MS/MS);
Automated quality controls (TEER, pH, temperature);
Validated protocols for different types of products,
Robust statistical analysis for data interpretation.

Count on the Scientific Base as

strategic partner in R&D

If you're looking for innovation with safety, scientific evidence, and agility, Base Científica could be your ideal partner. We focus on cellular research, molecular biology, and product validation, offering comprehensive solutions for companies looking to develop, validate, and scale innovations with solid scientific backing.

Our expertise in permeability testing with the Transwell system allows you to accelerate your development projects, reduce risks and ensure regulatory compliance from the earliest stages.

References

Artursson, P., & Karlsson, J. (1991). Correlation between oral drug absorption in humans and apparent drug permeability coefficients in human intestinal epithelial (Caco-2) cells . Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 175(3), 880–885. DOI: 10.1016/0006-291X(91)91647-U.
Helms, H. C., et al. (2016). In vitro models of the blood–brain barrier: An overview... . J. Cereb. Blood Flow Metab., 36(5), 862–890. DOI: 10.1177/0271678X16630991.
Schäfer-Korting, M., et al. (2007). Liposomes and nanotechnology in drug delivery... . Adv. Drug Deliv. Rev., 59(6), 427–443. DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2007.04.006.