NSRT is constantly thriving on development of novel drug delivery systems like vesicles (liposomes, niosomes, transfersomes, ethosomes), particulates (microspheres/particles, nanoparticles), micelles, emulsions (microemulsions, nanoemulsions, self-emulsifying systems), microneedles, etc.
Vesicular drug delivery system are highly ordered assemblies consisting of one or more concentric bilayers formed as a result of self-assembling of amphiphilic building blocks in presence of water. Varying from size of few nanometers to few micrometers, these formulations are suitable for delivery through all routes of administration, like oral, injection, topical, transdermal, etc. Depending on the constituent of bilayer, they are given different names like Liposomes (bilayer of Phospholipids), Niosomes (non-ionic surfactants), flexible liposomes (phospholipid bilayer with edge activators), etc.
Particulate drug delivery systems include solid formulation of nanometric& micron size range with modified release profiles. These are either reservoir type or matrix type. One of their most useful features is that they are easy to inject, either into tissue or intravenously. They are also easily adapted to other milieus, for inhalation as a dry powder, or topically in an appropriate vehicle.
Novel Solution Formulations like micelles, complexation, cosolvency are used to improve solubility.
Stable homogeneous biphasic systems as delivery systems for lipophilic drugs or to improve permeability of hydrophilic actives through various biological membranes.
Self emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS) are delivery vehicles which further improves the stability of actives as well as formulation. These are either given as liquid filled capsules or solid dosage form.
Array of multiple needles of micron size containing the active molecules embedded in the needles made up of polymers, simply applied by pressing on the skin. The active is released, when the needles are dissolved. These formulations deliver actives upto dermis region, thus localized delivery is possible. Also, transdermal permeability of active is increased as compared to patches/ gels/ ointment/ creams/ sprays as the active crosses the most impermeable part of skin, i.e. stratum corneum.
