From concept to in vivo testing: Microcontainers for oral drug delivery

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

  • Chiara Mazzoni
  • Fabio Tentor
  • Sophie Andersen Strindberg
  • Line Hagner Nielsen
  • Stephan Sylvest Keller
  • Tommy Sonne Alstrøm
  • Carsten Gundlach
  • Müllertz, Anette
  • Paolo Marizza
  • Anja Boisen

This work explores the potential of polymeric micrometer sized devices (microcontainers) as oral drug delivery systems (DDS). Arrays of detachable microcontainers (D-MCs) were fabricated on a sacrificial layer to improve the handling and facilitate the collection of individual D-MCs. A model drug, ketoprofen, was loaded into the microcontainers using supercritical CO2 impregnation, followed by deposition of an enteric coating to protect the drug from the harsh gastric environment and to provide a fast release in the intestine. In vitro, in vivo and ex vivo studies were performed to assess the viability of the D-MCs as oral DDS. D-MCs improved the relative oral bioavailability by 180% within 4 h, and increased the absorption rate by 2.4 times compared to the control. This work represents a significant step forward in the translation of these devices from laboratory to clinic.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Controlled Release
Volume268
Pages (from-to)343-351
Number of pages9
ISSN0168-3659
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Dec 2017

    Research areas

  • Enteric coating, Microtechnology, Oral drug delivery, Supercritical impregnation

ID: 188111025