New and Nanostructured Pharmaceutical Materials for Drug Delivery

With collaboration of polymer chemists and industrial partners, we are developing new and nanostructured pharmaceutical materials with multiple functions and/or "intelligence" useful for controlled drug delivery and pharmaceutical products. We have introduced techniques from other engineering fields to pharmaceutics and are pursuing innovative techniques with collaborators in MEMS and nanotechnology for studying dynamic properties of pharmaceutical materials and drug delivery systems on a micro-/nanoscale. This research activity also complements the efforts in the mechanistic studies and rational design of Controlled Release Dosage Forms (CRDF).

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Mechanistic Studies

Mechanistic studies, mathematical modeling and computer simulation are being conducted to understand molecular bases of drug loading and release mechanisms, predict release kinetics, and to optimize the design of advanced Controlled Release Dosage Forms (CRDF). Using effective numerical tools, such as the finite element method, and in-house computer programs, we are examining new design concepts, analyzing the effects of design, formulation and external conditions on drug release kinetics, and predicting in vivo performance of CRDF. This research activity will lead to Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) of new CRDF including oral Modified Release Dosage Forms (MRDF). 

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