Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2025
07:29
Intravascular Delivery of Biologics to the Rat Kidney
Published on: September 1, 2016
7.5K
Albumin-based delivery systems: Recent advances, challenges, and opportunities
Gillian Murphy1, David J Brayden2, David L Cheung3
1CÚRAM, the Research Ireland Centre for Medical Devices, University of Galway, Ireland.
Summary
Albumin biomaterials show potential for drug delivery and tissue engineering. Further research into novel albumin hydrogels could expand clinical applications beyond current approved uses.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Drug Delivery
- Protein Engineering
Background:
- Albumin and its derivatives are utilized in approved therapeutics like Abraxane® and BioGlue®.
- Current clinical applications include supportive therapy for conditions such as sepsis and ARDS.
- Existing albumin-based technologies are approved, but novel hydrogel formats are not yet in clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the properties of albumin and approved albumin-based technologies.
- To explore the potential of albumin-based drug delivery systems for a wider range of diseases.
- To provide a perspective on advancing biomedical research and clinical interventions using albumin.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of publicly available clinical trials.
- Analysis of albumin properties relevant to drug delivery.
- Review of currently approved albumin-based technologies.
Main Results:
- Albumin has demonstrated success in drug delivery (e.g., paclitaxel) and as a tissue adhesive.
- No new albumin-based drug delivery formats in hydrogel form are currently in clinical development.
- Potential applications in treating blood-borne diseases like HIV and leukemia remain largely unexplored.
Conclusions:
- Albumin's versatility supports its use in diverse biomedical applications.
- Further development of albumin-based hydrogels could lead to new therapeutic strategies.
- Expanding the application of albumin drug delivery systems can enhance clinical interventions for various diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Drug Distribution: Plasma Protein Binding
4.8K
Drugs predominantly attach to plasma proteins, with only a small percentage remaining unbound. The unbound portion can be calculated as one minus the bound fraction. Acidic drugs form large, inactive complexes by reversibly binding to plasma albumin, which prevents them from diffusing across biological barriers. These drug-protein complexes act as reservoirs for the drugs. As the concentration of unbound drugs decreases, these complexes quickly dissociate to release the free drug, maintaining...
4.8K
01:25Routes of Drug Administration: Parenteral
1.9K
The administration of drugs via parenteral routes allows for direct drug introduction into the systemic circulation, resulting in high bioavailability because the medication bypasses the harsh conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and hepatic metabolism.
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
The intravenous route (IV) of drug administration can be further categorized into two types. The bolus injection administers the entire dose rapidly, while an intravenous infusion slowly delivers smaller doses steadily.
The IV route is often...
1.9K
01:16Drug Delivery: Overview
276
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...
276
01:29Drug Delivery: Parenteral Route
394
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...
394
01:29Factors Affecting Protein-Drug Binding: Patient-Related Factors
34
Protein-drug binding, a pivotal aspect of pharmacokinetics, is subject to considerable variability influenced by an array of patient-related factors. The intricate interplay of age, individual differences, and pathological conditions significantly impact the binding dynamics and subsequent pharmacological effects.
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
Age stands as a key determinant in protein-drug binding. Neonates, characterized by low albumin content, experience heightened concentrations of unbound drugs such as phenytoin and...
34
01:28Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics: Overview
1.8K
Understanding drugs, drug products, and their performance in pharmaceutical science is pivotal. Drugs, whether simple molecules or complex compounds, are designed to interact with the body's biological systems to diagnose, treat, or prevent diseases. Drug products include various delivery systems such as tablets, capsules, injections, and inhalers. The performance of these drug products is gauged by their ability to deliver the active ingredient to the desired site of action at the...
1.8K