Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 14, 2026
18:57
Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 17, 2013
47.4K
Microfluidic Devices for Drug Delivery Systems and Drug Screening
Samar Damiati1, Uday B Kompella2, Safa A Damiati3
1Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia. sdamiati@kau.edu.sa.
Genes
|February 22, 2018
Summary
Microfluidic devices enable precise control for creating drug carriers and improving drug screening. These platforms offer a faster, more cost-effective, and biologically relevant alternative to traditional methods.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology and Biomedical Engineering
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Pharmacology and Toxicology
Background:
- Traditional drug screening and delivery methods face limitations in efficiency, cost, and predictive accuracy.
- Microfluidic technology offers enhanced control over particle generation and cellular environments.
- Existing preclinical models often fail to accurately predict clinical outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the application of microfluidic devices in generating drug carriers and facilitating drug screening.
- To highlight microfluidic platforms as advanced tools for preclinical research and personalized medicine.
- To discuss the potential of microfluidic systems in mimicking in vivo conditions for drug evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing microfluidic chip design and multiphase fluid control to generate uniform drug carrier particles.
- Developing microfluidic cell-free protein synthesis systems for point-of-care applications.
- Creating 3D microfluidic cell-, organ-, and human-on-a-chip models for drug testing.
Main Results:
- Microfluidic devices enable the production of highly stable, uniform, and monodispersed drug/gene carrier particles with superior encapsulation efficiency.
- Microfluidic platforms provide a rapid, cost-effective, and high-throughput alternative for drug screening compared to bulk methods.
- 3D microfluidic models offer a more biologically relevant and reproducible system for investigating drug effects at cellular, organ, and whole-body levels.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics revolutionizes drug carrier development and screening by offering unprecedented control and efficiency.
- Microfluidic 'on-a-chip' technologies represent a significant advancement towards personalized and predictive medicine.
- These platforms hold immense potential for accelerating drug discovery and improving therapeutic outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Intrauterine Drug Delivery Systems
3
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...
3
01:27Drug Delivery Systems: Different Types
2
Conventional oral drug products, termed immediate-release (IR) formulations, are engineered to promptly release their active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) upon ingestion, typically in tablets or capsules. This rapid release often results in swift drug absorption and consequent pharmacodynamic effects, although the timing and intensity can vary depending on the drug's properties. Prodrugs within these formulations require metabolic conversion to activate their pharmacodynamic effects,...
2
01:28Parenteral Drug Delivery Systems: Injectables, Implants, and Infusion Devices
4
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...
4
01:18Transdermal Drug Delivery Systems
4
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...
4
01:23Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
4
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...
4
01:23Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Introduction
2
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.
2