Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Microparticles and nanoparticles for drug delivery
1Laboratory for Biomaterials and Drug Delivery, Bartlett Extension 413, Division of Critical Pediatric Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA. dkohane@partners.org
Particulate drug delivery systems, including micro- and nanoparticles, offer distinct advantages for local and systemic treatments. Understanding their size-dependent differences is key to optimizing formulation and in vivo applications.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutics
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Particulate drug delivery systems are crucial in modern medicine.
- A key distinction exists between microparticles (micrometers) and nanoparticles (nanometers).
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the differences between micro- and nanoparticles in drug delivery.
- To provide examples of their applications in local and systemic drug delivery.
- To outline challenges in particulate drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Comparative analysis of micro- and nanoparticle characteristics.
- Review of formulation and in vivo usage differences.
- Exemplification of diverse drug delivery applications.
Main Results:
- Size significantly impacts formulation, behavior, and efficacy.
- Both systems offer tailored solutions for local and systemic drug delivery.
- Various challenges remain in optimizing particulate drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- The size of particulate drug delivery systems dictates their performance.
- Further research is needed to overcome existing challenges and expand applications.
Related Concept Videos
Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Factors Affecting Dissolution: Particle Size and Effective Surface Area
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
