Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
07:32
Preparation and Characterization of Individual and Multi-drug Loaded Physically Entrapped Polymeric Micelles
Published on: August 28, 2015
Multiparticulate formulation approach to colon specific drug delivery: current perspectives
Laila Fatima Ali Asghar1, Sajeev Chandran
1Formulation Development and Pharmacokinetic Laboratory, Pharmacy Group, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India.
Summary
Colon specific drug delivery is crucial for treating local diseases and systemic delivery of peptides and proteins. Multiparticulate formulations offer enhanced colon targeting by protecting drugs and enabling controlled release in the proximal colon.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gastrointestinal Pharmacology
Background:
- Colon-specific drug delivery is vital for local treatment and systemic delivery of biologics.
- Effective colon targeting requires protecting drugs from the upper GI tract and ensuring release in the proximal colon.
- Conventional approaches include drug modification and formulation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in multiparticulate formulations for colon-specific drug delivery.
- To highlight the advantages of multiparticulate systems for colon targeting.
- To discuss the role of particle size in colon drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of multiparticulate formulation approaches for colon delivery.
- Analysis of drug release mechanisms and targeting strategies.
- Evaluation of particle characteristics and their impact on gastrointestinal transit and uptake.
Main Results:
- Multiparticulate systems (pellets, granules, microspheres, nanoparticles) show promise for colon-specific delivery.
- Particle size influences gastric transit time and selective uptake by inflamed or cancerous tissues.
- Micron and sub-micron particles are particularly suitable for enhanced pharmacological effects in the colon.
Conclusions:
- Multiparticulate formulations represent a significant advancement in colon-specific drug delivery.
- The design of these systems can overcome challenges related to drug degradation and absorption in the upper GI tract.
- Targeted delivery to the colon using multiparticulate systems holds potential for improved therapeutic outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:24Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted
Site-targeted drug delivery systems enhance therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic toxicity and treatment costs. Unlike conventional methods, these systems ensure precise drug delivery, improving bioavailability and reducing side effects. Targeted drug delivery is classified into three levels. First-order targeting directs drugs to the capillary beds of specific organs or tissues. Second-order targets specific cell types, such as tumor cells, using receptor-mediated interactions.
01:27Bioavailability Enhancement: Drug Permeability Enhancement
After oral administration, poor permeability often limits the rate at which drugs are absorbed through the intestinal epithelium. Enhancing drug permeability is crucial for effective therapy, and several strategies have been developed to overcome this challenge.One effective strategy involves the use of lipid-based formulations. These formulations enhance dissolution and solubility, targeting physiological mechanisms to increase drug absorption. This includes stimulating bile salt secretion,...
01:23Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
Oral drug delivery is the most common route of administration due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and high patient compliance. It enables precise formulation to ensure proper drug dosage and bioavailability. The development of oral dosage forms considers drug properties such as solubility, stability, and absorption to optimize therapeutic efficacy.Tablets, capsules, liquids, and chewable formulations enhance drug stability, mask undesirable tastes, and improve patient experience.
01:27Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
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,...
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
Modified-release dosage forms are designed to address the limitations of drugs with short biological half-lives. These forms maintain stable therapeutic drug concentrations over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent dosing. A consistent drug level helps minimize peak-trough fluctuations, which can reduce adverse effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.One common type of modified-release form is the extended-release (ER) formulation. ER...