Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Delivery Systems - Related Videos
01:18
Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
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2026
Transdermal drug delivery systems (TDDS) enable the controlled release of drugs across the skin into systemic circulation. They are particularly advantageous for drugs with short half-lives or narrow therapeutic indices, as they maintain consistent plasma concentrations and reduce the risk of subtherapeutic or toxic levels.TDDS are categorized into monolithic, reservoir, and mixed systems. Monolithic systems embed the drug in a polymer matrix, where diffusion governs release. Reservoir systems...
01:23
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
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2026
Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...
01:27
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
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2026
Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
01:21
Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
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2026
Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...
18:57
Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
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Cited by 58 •
2013
Many therapeutic applications require safe and efficient transport of drug carriers and their cargoes across cellular barriers in the body. This article describes an adaptation of established methods to evaluate the rate and mechanism of transport of drug nanocarriers (NCs) across cellular barriers, such as the gastrointestinal (GI) epithelium.
FAQs
Carrier choice affects cargo protection, solubility, and how the therapeutic agent reaches its intended destination. Nanoparticles, liposomes, polymers, and hydrogels provide different engineered formats for addressing drug instability or poor tissue penetration. Selecting among them connects the drug’s characteristics with the desired delivery profile and can help reduce unwanted exposure.
Release can occur through diffusion, carrier degradation, or responses to local conditions. These mechanisms determine how quickly drug becomes available and whether exposure can be sustained rather than delivered all at once. Designing the release process helps match drug availability with therapeutic needs while supporting controlled dosing in a target tissue or cellular environment.
Reaching a specific tissue or cell is only one design goal; the system must also limit unnecessary drug availability elsewhere. Combining localization with control over timing and amount can address unwanted side effects while maintaining therapeutic delivery. This balance is especially important when biological barriers restrict tissue penetration or when broad exposure could reduce treatment suitability.
A design process begins by identifying the main delivery barrier, such as poor stability, limited tissue penetration, or unwanted side effects. Engineers can then match the therapeutic cargo with a carrier type and a release mechanism based on the intended tissue or cell and the need for targeted or sustained dosing. This approach links material design to treatment goals.
These systems support therapeutic strategies in cancer, infection, genetic disease, and tissue repair. Their value differs by treatment challenge: a design may help improve tissue access, protect a fragile cargo, sustain dosing, or deliver an agent to a relevant cell population. Consequently, the same engineering principles can be adapted across substantially different biomedical applications.
Biologics and nucleic acids are among the therapeutic cargos that these systems can deliver, extending bioengineering beyond conventional small-molecule treatment. Carrier-based protection and controlled availability can help address instability or access barriers associated with such cargos. This enables research and therapeutic design focused on genetic disease, tissue repair, and other conditions requiring biologically active materials.