Advanced Materials and Processing for Drug Delivery: The Past and the Future

Advanced Materials and Processing for Drug Delivery: The Past and the Future

2013 January ; 65(1): 104–120. | Ying Zhang, Hon Fai Chan, and Kam W. Leong
The article reviews the advancements in materials innovation and processing for drug delivery systems (DDS), highlighting their past contributions and future potential. Key innovations in material chemistry have led to the development of biodegradable, biocompatible, and targeted delivery systems, while nanotechnology has enabled control over the size, shape, and multifunctionality of particulate DDS. The review covers the evolution of DDS, from early FDA-approved systems like liposomes to more advanced materials such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), and their copolymers (PLGA). Block copolymers, polymer-drug conjugates, natural polymers, and recombinant proteins are also discussed for their roles in enhancing drug delivery efficiency. The article emphasizes the importance of smart DDS, which can release therapeutic payloads on demand, and the use of combinatorial chemistry to systematically explore drug carrier characteristics. Conventional NP fabrication methods, such as nanoprecipitation, emulsification-based techniques, and layer-by-layer synthesis, are described, along with their limitations. Microfluidic platforms are highlighted for their ability to improve the fabrication and manufacturing of particulate DDS by providing rapid mixing, homogeneous reaction environments, and precise control over particle size, shape, drug loading, and release rate. The article concludes by discussing the potential of microfluidics in producing novel DDS, including Janus particles, multi-shell particles, and drug-loaded microfibers, which offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes.The article reviews the advancements in materials innovation and processing for drug delivery systems (DDS), highlighting their past contributions and future potential. Key innovations in material chemistry have led to the development of biodegradable, biocompatible, and targeted delivery systems, while nanotechnology has enabled control over the size, shape, and multifunctionality of particulate DDS. The review covers the evolution of DDS, from early FDA-approved systems like liposomes to more advanced materials such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA), poly(glycolic acid) (PGA), and their copolymers (PLGA). Block copolymers, polymer-drug conjugates, natural polymers, and recombinant proteins are also discussed for their roles in enhancing drug delivery efficiency. The article emphasizes the importance of smart DDS, which can release therapeutic payloads on demand, and the use of combinatorial chemistry to systematically explore drug carrier characteristics. Conventional NP fabrication methods, such as nanoprecipitation, emulsification-based techniques, and layer-by-layer synthesis, are described, along with their limitations. Microfluidic platforms are highlighted for their ability to improve the fabrication and manufacturing of particulate DDS by providing rapid mixing, homogeneous reaction environments, and precise control over particle size, shape, drug loading, and release rate. The article concludes by discussing the potential of microfluidics in producing novel DDS, including Janus particles, multi-shell particles, and drug-loaded microfibers, which offer enhanced therapeutic outcomes.
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Understanding Advanced materials and processing for drug delivery%3A the past and the future.