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Cellular Membranes and Drug Transport

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Drugs must traverse multiple biological barriers, such as multi-layered skin, single-layered intestinal epithelium, and the plasma membrane, to reach their target sites within the body. The plasma membrane, a highly structured composite of phospholipids, carbohydrates, and proteins, is the cell's protective boundary, facilitating selective substance exchange.
Phospholipids arrange themselves into a bilayer, with hydrophilic heads oriented outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward.

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The fluid mosaic model was first proposed as a visual representation of research observations. The model comprises the composition and dynamics of membranes and serves as a foundation for future membrane-related studies. The model depicts the structure of the plasma membrane with a variety of components, which include phospholipids, proteins, and carbohydrates. These integral molecules are loosely bound, defining the cell’s border and providing fluidity for optimal function.

Fluid Mosaic Model

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Scientists identified the plasma membrane in the 1890s and its principal chemical components (lipids and proteins) by 1915. The model for plasma membrane structure, proposed in 1935 by Hugh Davson and James Danielli, was the first model to be widely accepted in the scientific community. The model was based on the plasma membrane's "railroad track" appearance in early electron micrographs. Davson and Danielli theorized that the plasma membrane's structure resembled a sandwich with the analogy of...

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Updated: May 30, 2026

Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions

Assembly of Cell Mimicking Supported and Suspended Lipid Bilayer Models for the Study of Molecular Interactions

Published on: August 3, 2021

Polymer membrane and cell models for drug discovery.

Chong Shen¹, Liang Zhang, Guoliang Zhang

¹College of Biological and Environmental Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, P.R. China. mengq@zju.edu.cn

Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening

|July 26, 2011

Summary

This review explores functional polymer membranes and cell models for drug discovery. Modified membranes enhance biocompatibility and reduce fouling, improving drug evaluation in pharmaceutical research.

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Drug Discovery
Membrane Technology

Background:

Biological membranes are crucial for drug absorption and toxicity.
Synthetic membranes require modification for effective in vivo mimicry.
Current drug evaluation models face challenges in accuracy and efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

To review functional polymer membranes for drug discovery.
To analyze membrane-based cell models for drug evaluation.
To explore methods for improving membrane biocompatibility and reducing fouling.

Main Methods:

Chemical modification of synthetic membranes (blending, surface modification).
Analysis of various membrane-based cell models (e.g., Caco-2, hepatocytes, renal cells).
Review of studies on drug ADME/Tox using in vitro membrane models.

Main Results:

Chemical modifications can mitigate membrane fouling and enhance biocompatibility.
Membrane-based cell models offer a platform for evaluating drug ADME/Tox.
Specific cell types (Caco-2, hepatocytes, renal cells) are suitable for these models.

Conclusions:

Functional polymer membranes and cell models are vital for efficient drug discovery.
Overcoming current model limitations will significantly benefit the pharmaceutical industry.
Improved in vitro models enhance the prediction of drug efficacy and safety.