Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
06:34
Validation of Therapeutic Agent Conjugation to Polyvinyl Alcohol-Coated Medical Devices
Published on: November 29, 2024
656
Clay-based drug-delivery systems: what does the future hold?
Giuseppe1, Serena Riela2, Rawil F Fakhrullin3
1Dipartimento di Fisica e Chimica, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Viale delle Scienze, pad. 17, 90128 Palermo, Italy.
Therapeutic Delivery
|July 22, 2017
Summary
Ancient clays are now advanced nanoarchitectonic vehicles for targeted drug delivery. Halloysite clay nanotubes show particular promise as natural nanomaterials for future pharmaceutical applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
Background:
- Clay minerals have a long history of empirical use in medicine.
- Modern research transforms traditional clay use into advanced nanoarchitectonic drug delivery systems.
- Nanoclays offer unique properties for targeted and stimuli-responsive drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the historical and modern applications of clay-based materials in drug delivery.
- To highlight halloysite clay nanotubes as a promising nanomaterial for drug delivery.
- To critically assess the advantages, limitations, and future directions of natural nanomaterials in drug delivery.
Main Methods:
- Historical review of clay usage in medicine.
- Analysis of modern applications of various clay-based drug delivery systems.
- Focus on halloysite clay nanotubes, detailing their morphology and chemical properties.
- Critical discussion of advantages and limitations of natural nanomaterials.
Main Results:
- Clay minerals possess inherent properties suitable for drug delivery applications.
- Halloysite clay nanotubes exhibit unique morphology and chemical characteristics beneficial for drug encapsulation and release.
- Various clay-based materials demonstrate potential for targeted and stimuli-responsive drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Halloysite clay nanotubes represent a highly promising natural nanomaterial for advanced drug delivery.
- Further research is needed to fully exploit the potential and overcome limitations of these natural nanomaterials.
- The transition from empirical use to scientific application of clays in drug delivery is a significant advancement.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
72
Oral drug delivery is the most common route of administration due to its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and high patient compliance. It enables precise formulation to ensure proper drug dosage and bioavailability. The development of oral dosage forms considers drug properties such as solubility, stability, and absorption to optimize therapeutic efficacy.Tablets, capsules, liquids, and chewable formulations enhance drug stability, mask undesirable tastes, and improve patient experience.
72
01:24Site-Targeted Drug Delivery Systems: Polymeric Carriers
57
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...
57
01:19Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Overview
53
Modified-release dosage forms are designed to address the limitations of drugs with short biological half-lives. These forms maintain stable therapeutic drug concentrations over extended periods, reducing the need for frequent dosing. A consistent drug level helps minimize peak-trough fluctuations, which can reduce adverse effects, lower the risk of drug resistance, and improve overall treatment effectiveness.One common type of modified-release form is the extended-release (ER) formulation. ER...
53
01:26Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
69
Continuous-release drug delivery systems offer a strategic approach to maintaining therapeutic drug levels over extended periods following oral administration. By modulating the release rate of active pharmaceutical ingredients, these systems minimize fluctuations in plasma concentrations, which enhances clinical efficacy and reduces the need for frequent dosing. Such characteristics make them particularly advantageous in managing chronic diseases where patient adherence and stable drug...
69
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
999
The selection of a drug's delivery route depends upon its physicochemical properties, including lipid or water solubility and ionization, as well as the therapeutic requirement, such as immediate or sustained effect. These routes can be divided into three primary categories: enteral, parenteral, and topical.
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
Enteral delivery involves administering drugs directly through swallowing, sublingual placement, or buccal application. Orally administered drugs predominantly navigate the...
999
01:11Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Delayed-Release Systems
60
Delayed-release drug delivery systems are specialized pharmaceutical formulations designed to postpone the release of active compounds until the drug reaches a specific region of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, typically the intestine. These systems are essential for drugs that may cause gastric irritation, are unstable in acidic environments, or need to exert therapeutic effects locally in the intestinal or colonic regions.The core feature of delayed-release systems is the use of enteric...
60