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Updated: May 27, 2026
18:57
Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
Recent trends in microbially and/or enzymatically driven colon-specific drug delivery systems
1Department of Pharmaceutics, Institute of Pharmacy, Nirma University, Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. drmayurmpatel@gmail.com
Critical Reviews in Therapeutic Drug Carrier Systems
|December 1, 2011
Summary
Colon-specific drug delivery systems utilize biodegradable polymers and prodrugs for targeted therapeutic compound release. These microbially or enzymatically driven systems ensure drug integrity by activating only in the colon.
Area of Science:
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Colon-specific drug delivery is crucial for therapeutic efficacy, requiring systems to bypass upper gastrointestinal degradation.
- Conventional delivery methods face challenges in protecting drugs until they reach the colon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in microbially and/or enzymatically driven colon-specific drug delivery systems.
- To discuss the formulation strategies and evaluation methods for these advanced delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Focus on biodegradable polymers (polysaccharides) and prodrugs for colon-targeted formulations.
- Exploration of microbially and/or enzymatically triggered drug release mechanisms.
- Inclusion of in vitro and in vivo evaluation techniques for assessing system performance.
Main Results:
- Microbially and/or enzymatically driven systems show promise for intact drug delivery to the colon.
- These systems offer controlled drug release activated by the colonic environment.
- Biodegradable polymers and prodrugs are key components in successful formulation.
Conclusions:
- Microbially and/or enzymatically driven systems represent a significant advancement in colon-specific drug delivery.
- These targeted systems enhance therapeutic outcomes by ensuring drug activation in the colon.
- Further research and evaluation are essential for clinical translation.
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