Drug delivery systems play a crucial role in modern medicine by improving the targeting and effectiveness of therapies. Nanotechnology has revolutionized this field, allowing for precise delivery of drugs to specific cells, minimizing side effects and improving patient outcomes. Nanoparticles, liposomes, and polymeric systems are at the forefront of this innovation, offering controlled release and enhanced bioavailability of drugs.
Polymeric drug delivery systems are designed to deliver medications in a controlled manner over an extended period. This reduces the frequency of administration and helps maintain a steady drug concentration in the body. Biodegradable polymers like PLGA (Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid) have been widely researched for their ability to control the release of a variety of drugs, from small molecules to proteins.
Targeted drug delivery systems aim to deliver medication directly to diseased tissues while avoiding healthy cells. Ligand-mediated targeting uses ligands that bind specifically to receptors on the target cells, ensuring that the drug is delivered precisely where it's needed. This approach is particularly useful in cancer therapies, where minimizing damage to healthy cells is critical.