A novel remote controlled capsule for site-specific drug delivery in human GI tract.
Remote controlled capsule (RCC) has been extensively used in the field of site-specific drug delivery. It is a potent tool to study the regional drug absorption of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that provides pharmaceutical scientists with significant pharmacokinetics data for oral drug formulation development. In present investigations, a patented novel RCC has been devised based on micro-electronic mechanical system (MEMS) technology. Micro-thrusters were for the first time exploited as drug release actuators of RCCs. As the micro-thruster is ignited by a radio frequency (RF) signal, the thrust force generated by the propellants pushes the piston forward and leads to a rapid and complete expulsion of therapeutic agents from the capsule. The micro-thruster merely consumes 120 mW for ignition and the duration time of drug release is decreased to less than 1 s. The feasibility of the novel RCC was evaluated through animal experiments in beagles using aminophylline as the model drug. The novel RCC developed is a promising alternative for site-specific drug delivery in human GI tract.
Xitian
Pi
P
Laboratory of Pharmaceutical and Controlled Release Technology, College of Bioengineering of Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, PR China. pixitian@cqu.edu.cn
Hongying
Liu
L
Kang
Wei
W
Yulin
Lin
L
Xiaolin
Zheng
Z
Zhiyu
Wen
W
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000628:Aminophylline / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D000818:Animals; D002214:Capsules; D004285:Dogs; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D041981:Gastrointestinal Tract / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007408:Intestinal Absorption; D055617:Micro-Electrical-Mechanical Systems / Q000295:instrumentation; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation; D012995:Solubility; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*
D002214:Capsules; D000628:Aminophylline