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Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology and Drug Delivery Systems

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sdg3

The field of pharmaceutical nanotechnology and drug delivery systems research significantly contributes to the attainment of Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) focused on Good Health and Well-being. This research is dedicated to creating groundbreaking drug delivery systems that revolutionize medication efficacy, safety, and targeted administration. Through the development of innovative delivery mechanisms, it enhances treatment outcomes, minimizes adverse effects, and boosts patient adherence, thus directly bolstering the efforts to achieve SDG 3.

Science and Technology

Description of Subtheme:

Research within this subtheme focuses on the design of novel drug delivery systems to enhance the therapeutic effect of many drugs that face challenges in their delivery and biodistribution to target tissues.  Some of these challenges are often relevant to the physicochemical properties of drug molecules that encompass a low solubility and a poor permeability. Hence, researchers working in this field are focused on designing advanced formulations and drug delivery systems in an attempt to improve drug bioavailability and optimize its therapeutic effect.

Different techniques are applied to design various drug delivery systems. Among these techniques, spray drying has gained a great attention and proved its significance in enhancing the solubility and bioavailability of many drugs, while taking into consideration the proper selection and screening of the suitable carriers.

Recently, an emphasis has been directed toward nanotechnology as an emerging field in the science of drug delivery systems. Research activities in this area is expanding and many formulations based on this approach were designed and investigated, revealing promising results. Nanotechnology based drug delivery systems include, nanoemulsions, self nanoemulsified drug delivery systems, nanofibers, liposomes, and others. Such systems are designed to improve absorption and bioavailability of drugs to target organs and could be administered via different routes depending on the formulation, its stability and biocompatibility in-vivo.

Research Action Plan:

  • Designing novel drug delivery systems DDS based on nanotechnology, including nanoparticles, liposomes and nano-emulsions
  • Designing, developing and in-vitro and in-vivo evaluation of various DDS including modified release and smart DSS
  • Developing and investigating advanced techniques for formulating pharmaceuticals and optimizing manufacturing processes

Prominent Research:

  • May Saab, Karim Raafat, Hoda El Maradny. "Transdermal delivery of capsaicin nanoemulgel: Optimization, skin permeation and in-vivo activity against diabetic neuropathy". Advanced Pharmaceutical Bulletin. 2022; 12(4): 780-790. doi: 10.34172/apb.2022.080
  • May Saab, Mohammed Mehanna. “Disintegration time of orally dissolving films: various methodologies and in-vitro/in-vivo correlation”. Die Pharmazie. 2019; 74 (4): 227-230. doi: 10.1691/ph.2019.8231
  • May Saab, Mohamad Issa, Wael Samy, Hoda El Maradny. Alternative approaches in formulating floating hollow tablets via sublimation technique; a platform tailored drug release profile”. Die Pharmazie. 2016, 71: 701–708.