1. A novel remote controlled capsule for site-specific drug delivery in human GI tract
- Author
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Xitian, Pi, Hongying, Liu, Kang, Wei, Yulin, Lin, Xiaolin, Zheng, and Zhiyu, Wen
- Subjects
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TARGETED drug delivery , *GASTROINTESTINAL system , *DRUG absorption , *ACTUATORS , *MICROELECTROMECHANICAL systems , *DRUG delivery systems , *DRUG development , *PHARMACEUTICAL encapsulation - Abstract
Abstract: 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 120mW for ignition and the duration time of drug release is decreased to less than 1s. 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. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]
- Published
- 2009
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