Applications of nanotechnology

1.Implanted pumps

It is an implanted pump, where drug for example insulin is held inside

a polymeric nanostructural reservoir. The driving force for drug
release from the pump is not the concentration difference between the
drug in the formulation and the surrounding tissue but rather a
pressure difference generated by most propably osmotic action.

ADV

Prolonged action.

Defined drug delivery rates (accurate delivery).

Bolus and basal delivery.

DISADV

Design constraints e.g. restricted access to the pump.

Possibility of drug leakage

Novel approaches towards non-injectable insulin

There is a tremendous innovations in developing an effective non-

injectable insulin delivery systems which ensures better patient
compliance, the most important of these approaches are:

Inhaled Insulin(e.g. Exubera)

The large surface area of the lungs (more than 100 m2) with its thin and
highly vascularised epithelium provides an attractive site for rapid insulin
absorption. Inhalation of insulin can take place either as a dry powder or
in solution. Absorption via the pulmonary route is similar to or faster than
subcutaneous injection of rapid-acting insulin, and the effect is longer
lasting. Variability of absorption within an individual is small, but
substantially affected by intercurrent respiratory conditions; and smoking
increases bioavailability.

Insulin buccal spray (e.g. Oral-lyn)

It shows a faster onset of action and shorter duration of action than
insulin delivered subcutaneously, it delivers insulin through the inner
lining of the mouth. Complete absorption through the buccal mucosa
(lining of the mouth) with no deposit in the lungs are achieved.

Unlike inhaled insulin products, it is buccally absorbed and it does not

have pulmonary side effects.

Insulin pump

It is an implanted pump, where insulin is held inside a polymeric

nanostructural reservoir. The driving force for drug release from the
pump is not the concentration difference between the drug in the
formulation and the surrounding tissue but rather a pressure difference
generated by most propably osmotic action. It shows Prolonged action,
Defined insulin delivery rates (accurate delivery), Bolus and basal
delivery. However, Design constraints e.g. restricted access to the pump
and Possibility of drug leakage are from its main disadvantages.

1. Membrane coated particles can be directly compressed into a

table or placed in a capsule which is a more common practice
as sometimes when particles are compressed into a tablet.

Because fracture of some of the surfaces generally occurs,

resulting in an undesirable increase in release rate.

2. The drug release from a polymer-based reservoir diffusion

controlled DDS is considered constant
 Because the only structure effectively limiting the release of the
drug is the polymer layer surrounding the reservoir. Since this
polymer coating is essentially uniform and of a non-changing
thickness, the diffusion rate of the active agent can be kept
constant.

3. A hydrogel based formulation (swollen controlled system) is

considered an environmentally reponsive system
Because it is incapable of releasing its drug content until it is
placed in an appropriate biological environment.

4. In the miscellenous controlled release system drug containing

resin granules is first treated with a polymer such as
polyethylene glycol 4000.

To maintain the geometry and improve the coating process and

then further coated with a water permeable polymer such as ethyl
cellulose to act as rate-limiting barrier to control drug release
(controls the diffusion pattern of ions in and out the system).

5. Floating DDS is composed of drug carrying matrix covered on

both sides with a bubble type barrier film.

The barrier bubble layer causes the tablet to float and the matrix
core releases the drug in zero order fashion.