Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 24, 2026

Modeling and Simulations of Olfactory Drug Delivery with Passive and Active Controls of Nasally Inhaled Pharmaceutical Aerosols
Published on: May 20, 2016
Intranasal Conformal Patch for Sustained Levodopa Delivery and Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging in Parkinson's
Ting Li1, Lanxin Xiao1, Zan Chen1
1State Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (LoFE), Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Smart Biomaterials and Theranostic Technology, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials (SICAM), Institution Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Nanjing 210023, China.
Abstract:
Parkinson's disease (PD) imposes a heavy burden on the aging population. Current oral levodopa (LD) treatment faces dual challenges: poor brain bioavailability due to systemic barriers and motor complications from fluctuating drug levels. While intranasal delivery offers direct brain access, bypassing the blood-brain barrier, existing formulations still struggle to maintain stable drug concentrations needed to prevent motor fluctuations. Moreover, focusing solely on dopamine supplements overlooks the underlying oxidative stress that drives disease progression. Herein, we report an intranasal conformal patch composed of silk fibroin nanofibers that achieves stable drug delivery through moisture-responsive adhesion, sustained release, and enhanced LD stability. The patch further incorporates a dual-drug strategy combining LD supplementation with reactive oxygen species scavenging to delay neurodegeneration. In vivo results demonstrate that this daily patch effectively delivers nanomedicines to the brain, reverses pathological status, and restores normal behavioral patterns in PD models. This wearable drug reservoir enables sustained therapeutic effects while addressing oxidative damage, representing a significant advancement in PD treatment.
Related Concept Videos
Parkinson's Disease: Treatment
Parkinson's Disease is primarily a result of the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The cornerstone of...
Drug Delivery: Miscellaneous Routes
Oral inhalation and nasal sprays swiftly transfer drugs across the respiratory epithelium's mucosal layer. Inhaled glucocorticoids and bronchodilators directly target lung conditions such as asthma, while fluticasone nasal spray mitigates allergic rhinitis.
Transdermal patches transport drugs...
Ophthalmic Drug Delivery Systems
Oral Drug Delivery Systems: Continuous-Release Systems
Modified-Release Drug Delivery Systems: Stimuli-Activated
Parkinson's Disease: Overview

