Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 8, 2026
09:39
Injectable Supramolecular Polymer-Nanoparticle Hydrogels for Cell and Drug Delivery Applications
Published on: February 7, 2021
8.9K
Polymer-based carriers for ophthalmic drug delivery
Julieta C Imperiale1, Gabriela B Acosta1, Alejandro Sosnik2
1CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas (ININFA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Summary
Advanced polymer-based colloidal systems offer improved ocular drug delivery by increasing drug residence time and cell penetration, enhancing bioavailability for eye diseases. This review guides polymer selection for effective ophthalmic therapies.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmic drug delivery
- Polymer science
- Biomedical engineering
Background:
- Ocular bioavailability is a significant challenge in treating eye diseases.
- Conventional eye drops have limited residence time and poor drug absorption.
- Colloidal drug carriers offer enhanced performance over traditional solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review polymers for developing advanced ophthalmic drug delivery systems.
- To highlight polymer advantages, biocompatibility, and achievements in ocular delivery.
- To discuss complex delivery systems and regulatory aspects for clinical translation.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of polymers used in ophthalmic drug delivery.
- Analysis of polymer-based gels, microparticles, and nanoparticles.
- Evaluation of factors influencing ocular bioavailability, including particle charge.
Main Results:
- Polymer-based colloidal systems prolong drug residence time on the eye surface.
- Cellular internalization and enhanced corneal penetration (especially positively charged particles) improve bioavailability.
- Various polymers demonstrate advantageous features and biocompatibility for ocular applications.
Conclusions:
- Rationale polymer selection is crucial for developing effective ophthalmic drug delivery systems.
- Advanced colloidal systems significantly improve drug performance for eye diseases.
- This review provides guidance for pharmaceutical research and development in ocular drug delivery.
Related Concept Videos
01:24Electron Carriers
91.9K
Electron carriers can be thought of as electron shuttles. These compounds can easily accept electrons (i.e., be reduced) or lose them (i.e., be oxidized). They play an essential role in energy production because cellular respiration is contingent on the flow of electrons.
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...
Over the many stages of cellular respiration, glucose breaks down into carbon dioxide and water. Electron carriers pick up electrons lost by glucose in these reactions, temporarily storing and releasing them into the electron...
91.9K
02:34Polymers
41.1K
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the...
41.1K
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
887
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...
887
01:19Drug Absorption Mechanism: Carrier-Mediated Membrane Transport
6.2K
Certain large, lipid-insoluble drug molecules that resemble amino acids, peptides, or glucose, require specialized carrier proteins to facilitate their diffusion across cell membranes. This transport can occur through either facilitated diffusion, which does not require energy input, or active transport, which does require energy input.
Facilitated diffusion is a passive process that utilizes human Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters. These transporters bind to the drug, undergo structural...
Facilitated diffusion is a passive process that utilizes human Solute Carrier (SLC) transporters. These transporters bind to the drug, undergo structural...
6.2K
01:18Drug Delivery: Enteral Route
1.8K
The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
1.8K
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
1.7K
The parenteral route is a critical method of drug administration. It delivers compounds directly into the systemic circulation and bypasses the gastrointestinal tract. This approach is particularly advantageous for drugs that exhibit poor absorption or instability when administered orally.
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
There are three primary parenteral routes: intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC). The IV route introduces the drug directly into the bloodstream, ensuring immediate action. The IM route...
1.7K