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Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems

Ophthalmic drug delivery faces major limitations due to poor absorption across the corneal membrane. This process is primarily driven by diffusion and is influenced by two main factors: the physicochemical properties of the drug and tear drainage. Most ophthalmic drugs, such as pilocarpine, epinephrine, atropine, and local anesthetics, are weak bases. They are typically formulated at an acidic pH to enhance chemical stability. However, this leads to high ionization, reducing their ability to...

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

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...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed II

Rate-programmed drug delivery systems release drugs in a controlled manner to maintain therapeutic levels. Three main designs include reservoir, matrix, and hybrid systems.Reservoir systems consist of a drug core enclosed within a membrane that controls drug release. In non-swelling reservoir systems, polymers like ethyl cellulose or polymethacrylates are used. These do not hydrate in aqueous media and control release through membrane thickness, porosity, or insolubility. This type includes...

Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems

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...

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems

Controlled-release systems for intravaginal and intrauterine drug delivery have been developed primarily for the administration of contraceptive steroid hormones. These delivery routes circumvent first-pass hepatic metabolism, thereby enhancing bioavailability and allowing for reduced systemic dosages compared to oral administration. Such approaches contribute to improved therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance, particularly in long-term contraceptive regimens.Intravaginal Drug Delivery...

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I

Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Rate-Programmed I

Rate-programmed drug delivery systems (DDS) are designed to release drugs at specific, controlled rates to maintain consistent therapeutic levels. These systems are categorized based on their release mechanisms, including dissolution-controlled DDS, diffusion-controlled DDS, and combined dissolution-diffusion-controlled DDS.In dissolution-controlled DDS, the release rate depends on the slow dissolution of the drug itself or the surrounding matrix. Drugs with inherently slow dissolution rates,...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 25, 2026

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

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

Published on: January 30, 2026

PDMS embedded microneedles as a controlled release system for the eye.

Geetha Mahadevan¹, Heather Sheardown, Ponnambalam Selvaganapathy

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Journal of Biomaterials Applications

|January 21, 2012

Summary

This study introduces a novel eye drug delivery device using flexible PDMS-embedded microneedles. The device successfully delivered drugs intraocularly, offering a less invasive alternative to traditional needles.

Keywords:

Controlled release systems drug delivery intraocular microneedles posterior eye

More Related Videos

Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Published on: November 17, 2015

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Last Updated: May 25, 2026

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

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

Published on: January 30, 2026

Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Polymeric Microneedle Array Fabrication by Photolithography

Published on: November 17, 2015

Area of Science:

Biomedical Engineering
Ophthalmology
Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

Intraocular drug delivery faces challenges with conventional hypodermic needles, including invasiveness and patient discomfort.
Developing minimally invasive drug delivery systems is crucial for treating ocular diseases effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

To demonstrate intraocular drug delivery using a novel device.
The device integrates hollow glass microneedles into a flexible poly (dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) substrate for easier ocular insertion.

Main Methods:

Hollow glass microneedles were embedded in a photolithographically patterned PDMS substrate.
The device was tested for in vitro drug release (6-aminoquinolone, Rose Bengal) and ex vivo intravitreal delivery in bovine eyes.

Main Results:

Microneedles penetrated scleral tissue without damage.
Controlled drug release was achieved, with significant mass accumulation in ocular tissues over 8 hours.
The microchannel remained unclogged during delivery.

Conclusions:

PDMS-embedded microneedles provide an integrated, less invasive method for intraocular drug targeting.
Drug release rates are controllable and independent of drug properties.
The hybrid design combines rigid microneedles with a flexible substrate for improved ocular conformability.