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Updated: May 10, 2026

Models and Methods to Evaluate Transport of Drug Delivery Systems Across Cellular Barriers
Published on: October 18, 2013
Physiologic considerations in drug absorption from the gastrointestinal tract
Drug absorption depends on gastrointestinal factors like pH and transit time, alongside drug properties such as solubility and particle size. Understanding these variables enables advanced oral drug delivery system design.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacokinetics
- Drug Delivery Systems
- Gastrointestinal Physiology
Background:
- Drug absorption is a critical determinant of therapeutic efficacy.
- Numerous physiological and physicochemical factors influence drug absorption.
- Oral drug delivery systems are complex and their performance is multifactorial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the key factors governing drug absorption from oral delivery systems.
- To highlight the interplay between gastrointestinal variables and drug physicochemical properties.
- To underscore the importance of formulation attributes in drug absorption.
Main Methods:
- Review of physiological variables affecting drug absorption (pH, gastric emptying, intestinal transit).
- Analysis of physicochemical drug properties influencing absorption (solubility, particle size, chemical form).
- Examination of formulation characteristics (controlled-release, pH sensitivity, product attributes) and food effects.
Main Results:
- Gastrointestinal pH, gastric emptying, and intestinal transit time significantly impact drug absorption.
- Drug solubility, particle size, and chemical form are crucial physicochemical determinants.
- Formulation attributes like controlled-release mechanisms and pH sensitivity, along with food intake, modulate absorption.
- The influence of these factors varies across different controlled-release products.
Conclusions:
- A comprehensive understanding of drug absorption factors is essential for advanced oral drug delivery system design.
- Optimizing drug delivery requires careful consideration of both physiological and physicochemical parameters.
- Future advancements in oral drug delivery hinge on a deeper knowledge of these complex interactions.
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