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Related Concept Videos

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems01:18

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

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...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes01:22

Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes

Drug delivery methods like oral inhalation, nasal sprays, transdermal patches, eye drops, intravitreal injection,  and rectal administration provide localized effects with reduced toxicity.
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs through the...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated01:30

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated

Stimuli-activated drug delivery systems are designed to release drugs in response to specific physical, chemical, or biological stimuli. These systems often utilize hydrogels—three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of swelling in aqueous environments and retaining significant fluid volumes. Upon exposure to particular stimuli, these hydrogels undergo structural transitions that allow the embedded drug to be released. Due to this adaptive behavior, such systems are also called...
Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices01:28

Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices

Parenteral drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern therapeutics by enabling the direct administration of drugs into the systemic circulation, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. These systems are particularly valuable for poorly absorbed oral medications that are unstable in the digestive environment or require rapid onset or sustained therapeutic levels. Delivery is achieved through intravenous, intramuscular, or subcutaneous routes, each selected based on the drug's properties...
Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types01:27

Drug 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,...
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Site-Targeted01:24

Modified-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.

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Updated: Jun 30, 2026

Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing
08:19

Hollow Microneedle-based Sensor for Multiplexed Transdermal Electrochemical Sensing

Published on: June 1, 2012

Micro-scale devices for transdermal drug delivery.

Anubhav Arora1, Mark R Prausnitz, Samir Mitragotri

  • 1Biomolecular Science and Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.

International Journal of Pharmaceutics
|September 23, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Microneedle devices offer a needle-free alternative for transdermal drug and vaccine delivery, overcoming limitations of hypodermic injections. This review explores advanced micro-scale technologies for enhanced macromolecule transport across the skin.

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Dissolving Microneedle Array Patches Manufactured By Solvent Casting Technique and Essential Characterization of Microneedle-Based Biomedical Devices

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Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmaceutics
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • The skin is an ideal site for drug and vaccine administration due to accessibility and immune functions.
  • Hypodermic needles, the current standard, present drawbacks like pain, needle phobia, and accidental needle-sticks.
  • Limitations of hypodermic injections necessitate the development of alternative transdermal delivery systems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in micro-scale devices for transdermal macromolecule delivery.
  • To provide a historical perspective and discuss mechanisms, design parameters, applications, and challenges of these technologies.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on micro-scale transdermal delivery systems.
  • Analysis of technologies including liquid jet injectors, powder injectors, microneedles, and thermal microablation.
  • Discussion of historical context, operational mechanisms, and design considerations.

Main Results:

  • Several micro-scale devices show promise for overcoming hypodermic injection limitations.
  • Technologies discussed offer potential for needle-free drug and vaccine administration.
  • Each method presents unique advantages and challenges in transdermal macromolecule delivery.

Conclusions:

  • Micro-scale devices represent a significant advancement in transdermal drug and vaccine delivery.
  • Continued research and development are crucial for optimizing these needle-free technologies.
  • These innovations aim to improve patient compliance and safety in drug administration.