Continuous nanostructures for the controlled release of drugs.
The annual world wide market for controlled release of polymer systems which extends beyond drug delivery is now estimated to $60 billion and these systems are used by over 100 million people each year. It was estimated that drug delivery will play a pivotal role in approximately 40% of all pharmaceutical sales in near future. Novel methods of drug delivery will not only result in more effective and efficacious treatments but also generates new niche markets to provide greater intellectual property protection to already existing drug formulations. Recently, biodegradable electrospun polymer nanofibrous substrate as drug carrier seems to be a promising method for delivering anticancer drugs, especially in postoperative local chemotherapy. Alternatively drug release can be triggered by the environment or other external events such as changes in pH, temperature, or the presence of analyte such as glucose. In general, controlled release of polymer systems delivering drugs in the optimum dosage for long periods is to increase the efficacy of drug, reducing patient compliance. Recent research for the use of nanotechnology (nanoparticle and nanofibers) in drug delivery suggests that the technology might solve problems in the areas such as controlled release, various topical administration, gut absorption and targeted systemic delivery. This review article described the applications of polymer nanoparticles and nanofibers for loading potential drugs for the controlled release to target incurable diseases.
Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Initiative, Division of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, 3 Engineering Drive 3, Singapore. engjrv@nus.edu.sg
J
J
Venugopal
Molamma P
MP
Prabhakaran
Sharon
S
Low
Aw Tar
AT
Choon
G
G
Deepika
V R Giri
VR
Dev
S
S
Ramakrishna
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles; D036103:Nanotechnology / Q000379:methods; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004337:Drug Carriers; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D011108:Polymers