Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 19, 2026
10:16
Targeted Plasma Membrane Delivery of a Hydrophobic Cargo Encapsulated in a Liquid Crystal Nanoparticle Carrier
Published on: February 8, 2017
Functional multilayered capsules for targeting and local drug delivery
Michiya Matsusaki1, Mitsuru Akashi
1Osaka University, Graduate School of Engineering, Department of Applied Chemistry, 2-1 Yamada-oka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Expert Opinion on Drug Delivery
|October 17, 2009
Summary
Developing targeted drug delivery systems (DDS) is crucial. Layer-by-layer (LbL) hollow capsules offer advanced nano-medicine solutions with specific targeting and controlled release capabilities.
Area of Science:
- Bio-nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Drug delivery systems (DDS) face challenges in developing carriers with both targeting and controlled release.
- Hollow capsules fabricated via layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly are promising due to their modifiability and encapsulation capacity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in DDS utilizing functional hollow capsules.
- To highlight applications in specific cellular and tissue targeting.
- To discuss stimuli-responsive controlled release mechanisms.
Main Methods:
- Layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly for hollow capsule fabrication.
- Functionalization of capsules for targeting specific cells (e.g., cancer, immune cells).
- Incorporation of stimuli-responsive elements for controlled drug release.
Main Results:
- LbL hollow capsules can be engineered for targeted delivery to specific cells and tissues.
- Environmental stimuli can effectively control the release of encapsulated therapeutic agents.
- Functionalized capsules demonstrate potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusions:
- Functional hollow capsules are a significant advancement in DDS.
- These capsules offer a versatile platform for developing targeted and stimuli-responsive nano-medicines.
- Further development holds promise for novel therapeutic strategies.
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