Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with advanced notions of drug delivery systems, particularly related to micro-and nanotechnologies to ensure that medications reach their intended targets within the body effectively. drug delivery systems based on micro and nanotechnologies are at the forefront of pharmaceutical research and development. these technologies enable precise control over the delivery of drugs, allowing for targeted therapy, improved efficacy, and reduced side effects. by delving into these topics, students can gain a comprehensive understanding of how micro and nanotechnologies are revolutionizing drug delivery and paving the way for innovative therapeutic solutions.
during the teaching activities, several examples will highlight the diverse range of techniques and approaches used to formulate advanced drug delivery systems with the potential to improve drug efficacy, safety, and patient outcomes. by leveraging these technologies, students will be able, in the future, to develop innovative formulations that address unmet medical needs and enhance the delivery of therapeutic agents to target tissues.
providing students with the opportunity to work on theoretical formulations based on real-world challenges can enhance their learning experience and prepare them for future research or industry roles in drug development. it allows them to explore different aspects of drug delivery systems, such as formulation design, targeting strategies, and optimization techniques, while also encouraging collaboration and peer learning.
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
Introduction to drug delivery systems
Historical overview
Principles of drug delivery and pharmacokinetics
Routes of administration
Micro- and nanotechnology in drug delivery
Microparticles: preparation, methods, characterization.
Nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization, and applications
Liposomes and lipid-based delivery systems
Dendrimers, micelles, and polymeric nanoparticles
Targeted drug delivery
Cyclodextrins and other polymeric carriers
Mechanisms of drug release (e.g., diffusion, erosion, stimuli-responsive)
Sustained and pulsatile release systems
Ethical implications of novel drug delivery approaches
Infectious disease treatment.
Central nervous system drug delivery
Emerging trends and future directions: discussing recent advancements, challenges, and future prospects in the field of micro and nanotechnologies for drug delivery
Full programme
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Bibliography
1. Amorphous drugs. benefits and challenges. rams-baron et al. springer 2018. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-72002-9
2. Formulating poorly water soluble drugs. williams iii et al. springer, 2012. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-1144-4
3. Targeted drug delivery. bachhav et al. john wiley and sons inc. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1002/9783527827855
4. Drug delivery principles and applications wang et al. john wiley and sons inc. isbn9781118833230.
5. Handbookofpharmaceuticalexcipients. rowe et al. pharmaceutical press, 2009;isbn978-0857110275.
6. Microencapsulation,methods and industrial applications. benita et al. crc press, 2006. isbn 9780824723170.
7. Handbook of encapsulation and controlled release. mishra et al. crc press, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1201/b19038
8. Handbook of nanoencapsulation. preparation, characterization, delivery, and safety of nutraceutical nanocomposites. kour et al. crs press, 2023. isbn 9781032194387
9. Smart materials for drug delivery. alvarez-lorenzo et al. royalsocietyofchemistry, 2013. isbn: 978-1-84973-877-4
Additional teaching material will be the slides of the lessons loaded on elly platform.
Teaching methods
The course includes lectures supported by the aid of computer tools for the projection of the teaching material that will be made available to students.
Assessment methods and criteria
The learning assessment method consists of an oral exam that involve student answering questions verbally to demonstrate the knowledge, understanding and problem-solving abilities. the student is qualified (idoneo) if the esam is judged equal or superior to 18/30.
Other information
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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development
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