Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 14, 2026
12:48
PLGA Nanoparticles Formed by Single- or Double-emulsion with Vitamin E-TPGS
Published on: December 27, 2013
Nanoporous materials modified with biodegradable polymers as models for drug delivery applications
Mathias F Gruber1, Lars Schulte, Sokol Ndoni
1Technical University of Denmark, Departamento of Micro and Nanotechnology, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. mgrub@fysik.dtu.dk
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|February 2, 2013
Summary
This study combines nanoporous polymers and degradable polymers for drug delivery. Encapsulating drugs in confined degradable polymers significantly slows degradation and drug release, reducing initial burst release for better delivery systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Polymers are crucial for diagnostic and therapeutic agent carriers.
- Steady drug release profiles are achieved using degradable polymers or porous materials for encapsulation.
- Combining these methods offers a novel approach to drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate a proof of principle for a combined encapsulation system.
- To investigate the effect of nanoporous confinement on degradable polymer behavior and drug release.
- To explore the potential for developing advanced implantable drug delivery systems.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a nanoporous polymer (NP) system with gyroid morphology.
- Encapsulation of a drug model (Rhodamine 6G) within a degradable polymer (Poly(L-Lactic Acid)) inside the NP pores.
- Differential scanning calorimetry to analyze polymer properties.
- Accelerated in vitro release studies in a methanol-water solvent at pH 13.
Main Results:
- Degradation of Poly(L-Lactic Acid) within nanoporous confinement was significantly slower than unconfined Poly(L-Lactic Acid).
- Drug model (Rhodamine 6G) release from the confined degradable polymer was correspondingly slower.
- Initial burst release of the drug model was virtually eliminated.
Conclusions:
- The combined nanoporous and degradable polymer system shows promise for controlled drug delivery.
- Nanoporous confinement effectively modulates polymer degradation and drug release kinetics.
- This approach offers a potential foundation for novel implantable drug delivery systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
Polymeric carriers enhance targeted drug delivery by increasing efficacy while minimizing off-target effects. These carriers comprise a biodegradable polymeric backbone integrated with functional elements that enable targeting, improve physicochemical properties, and regulate drug release.Targeting MechanismsThe targeting ability of polymeric carriers is mediated by a homing device, which is a molecular recognition component designed to selectively bind to specific tissues or cells. Monoclonal...
01:19Modified-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...
01:24Modified-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.
01:23Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Classification
Modified-release drug delivery systems improve drug efficacy and minimize side effects by controlling the rate and location of drug release. These systems fall into three categories: rate-programmed, stimuli-activated, and site-targeted.Rate-programmed systems release drugs at a predetermined rate, maintaining consistent therapeutic levels and reducing fluctuations that could lead to toxicity or subtherapeutic effects. These systems use polymeric matrices, reservoir-based designs, or osmotic...
01:30Modified-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...
01:22Modified-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,...