Mono-benzimidazole functionalized β-cyclodextrins as supramolecular nanovalves for pH-triggered release of p-coumaric...

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...

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...

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...

Drug release from modified-release dosage forms is designed to achieve specific therapeutic effects by controlling the rate and extent of drug release. The classification of these drug release systems is based on key pharmacokinetic assumptions: drug disposition follows first-order kinetics, drug release is the rate-limiting step in absorption, and the released drug is rapidly and completely absorbed.There are four major models of drug release patterns. The first model is the slow zero-order...

Improving a drug's stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is paramount for enhancing its bioavailability and therapeutic effectiveness. Various strategies are employed to protect the drug from the harsh gastric milieu and to ensure its release and absorption at the desired site within the GI tract.Polymer coatings are one such method used to shield drugs from the stomach's acidic environment. By preventing premature drug release, these coatings improve the bioavailability of unstable...

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,...