Concept Of Drug Delivery Research Articles

Control of biomedical nanoparticle distribution and drug release in vivo by complex particle design strategies.

The utilization of targeted nanoparticles as a selective drug delivery system is a powerful tool to increase the amount of active substance reaching the target site. This can increase therapeutic efficacy while reducing adverse drug effects. However, nanoparticles face several challenges: upon injection, the immediate adhesion of plasma proteins may mask targeting ligands, thereby diminishing the target cell selectivity. In addition, opsonization can lead to premature clearance and the widespread presence of receptors or enzymes limits the accuracy of target cell recognition. Nanoparticles may also suffer from endosomal entrapment, and controlled drug release can be hindered by premature burst release or insufficient particle retention at the target site. Various strategies have been developed to address these adverse events, such as the implementation of switchable particle properties, regulating the composition of the formed protein corona, or using click-chemistry based targeting approaches. This has resulted in increasingly complex particle designs, raising the question of whether this development actually improves the therapeutic efficacy in vivo. This review provides an overview of the challenges in targeted drug delivery and explores potential solutions described in the literature. Subsequently, appropriate strategies for the development of nanoparticular drug delivery concepts are discussed.

Constant-force photonic projectile for long-distance targeting delivery

Abstract Optically controllable delivery of microparticles excites interesting research and applications in various fields because of the noninvasive and noncontact features. However, long-distance delivery with a static low-power light source remains challenging. Here, the constant-force photonic projectile (CFPP) is employed to achieve long-distance delivery of microparticles with a low-power laser beam. The CFPP takes advantage of photon absorption to create a constant optical force within a large range, surpassing traditional tweezers. The concept of CFPP has been experimentally corroborated by remote control over micrometer-sized absorptive particles (APs) using a simple tilted focused beam. At the laser focus, strong photon absorption results in a large constant optical force that ejects the APs along the optical axis. Furthermore, the additional thermal convection field, which attracts particles from a distance into the working range of the CFPP, is utilized to collect the unbound APs for reuse. Finally, we demonstrate the concept of drug delivery by transporting a small microparticle onto a host particle at a remote location. The proposed CFPP provides a new perspective for drug delivery and heat-enhanced photodynamic therapy.

Advancing Glaucoma Therapy by Exploring the Efficacy and Potential of Brimonidine Niosomal Gel

Glaucoma is a leading cause of permanent vision loss worldwide and is characterised by progressive optic neuropathy with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) as a major risk factor. Although successful, the current therapeutic strategies are often severely limited by their need for chronic dosing, systemic side effects and poor patient compliance. Brimonidine, an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist which acts selectively, has been beneficial through its IOP-lowering effects by diminishing aqueous humor production and improving uveoscleral outflow. A novel medication delivery technology to enhance ocular bioavailability and extended drug release is brimonidine, formulated as a niosomal gel. The aim of this study is to highlight its clinical efficacy, formulation strategies and mechanism of action that significantly improved glaucoma therapy. Key studies illuminate its potential benefits in reducing dosing frequency, avoiding side effects and increasing patient compliance. Additional study and optimization required to scale-up manufacturing or ensure long-term stability. Possible future directions: combination medications and delivery systems personalized medicine possible future directions in the treatment of glaucoma might include combination medicines and personalized medicine techniques tailored to patient-specific needs. Brimonidine niosomal gel may be a new approach for glaucoma management and it can change the concept of intraocular drug delivery in the future.

M-MDSCs mediated trans-BBB drug delivery for suppression of glioblastoma recurrence post-standard treatment

We found that immunosuppressive monocytic-myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSCs) were more likely to be recruited by glioblastoma (GBM) through adhesion molecules on GBM-associated endothelial cells upregulated post-chemoradiotherapy. These cells are continuously generated during tumor progression, entering tumors and expressing PD-L1 at a high level, allowing GBM to exhaust T cells and evade attack from the immune system, thereby facilitating GBM relapse. αLy-6C-LAMP is composed of (i) drug cores with slightly negative charges condensed by cationic protamine and plasmids encoding PD-L1 trap protein, (ii) pre-formulated cationic liposomes targeted to Ly-6C for encapsulating the drug cores, and (iii) a layer of red blood cell membrane on the surface for effectuating long-circulation. αLy-6C-LAMP persistently targets peripheral, especially splenic, M-MDSCs and delivers secretory PD-L1 trap plasmids, leveraging M-MDSCs to transport the plasmids crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB), thus expressing PD-L1 trap protein in tumors to inhibit PD-1/PD-L1 pathway. Our proposed drug delivery strategy involving intermediaries presents an efficient cross-BBB drug delivery concept that incorporates live-cell targeting and long-circulating nanotechnology to address GBM recurrence.

Formulation and Evaluation of Febuxostat Transdermal Patch for Management of Gout

The present research was aimed to formulate a soft and easy to handle transdermal patch consisting simple and cost effective monolithic polymeric film as an attempt to deliver Febuxostat transdermallyand overcome problems associated with its poor bioavailability and hepatic first pass metabolism. Transdermal patches of Febuxostat were prepared by solvent casting method. Prepared formulations were evaluated for various parameters tensile strength, thickness, folding endurance, % moisture content, % moisture uptake, % drug content, % elongation, In vitro drug release. Based on the evaluation of transdermal patches, concluded that the concept of transdermal drug delivery is a novel, nontoxic as well cost-effective technique for enhancing the aqueous solubility and bioavailability of the drug. It can be concluded that transdermal drug delivery works very simple in which drug is applied inside the patch and it is worn on skin for long period of time. By this constant concentration of drug remain in blood for long time. Thus, overcome the adverse effects caused by oral route.

A sustainable and green approach towards the utilization of biopolymers for effective wound dressing applications: A detailed review

Millions of people worldwide are suffering and struggling to obtain the most effective wound care/treatment. In previous years, a steep rise in metabolic disorders such as diabetic wound ulcers has been noticed. The primary function of an effective wound dressing is to protect the wound bed from contamination and provide an accelerated healing environment. Biopolymers, a natural boon, can be used for distinct applications from food packaging, biomedicine, and biomedical applications. Natural and synthetic biopolymers have distinct advantages, such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, and environmental friendliness. Cellulose, chitosan, alginates, hyaluronic acid, collagen, etc., are natural biopolymers primarily used to develop wound dressings. Most common synthetic biopolymers such as PVA, PCL, and PLA are examples of how an individual biopolymer or its blends can be used to develop an effective wound dressing. Biopolymer properties for wound dressing applications can be improved by applying the concepts of nanotechnology, bioengineering, and drug delivery. These improvements may help meet the current and future wound care demands for tissue repair and restoration. The current review focuses on using natural and synthetic functionalized biopolymers for effective wound-dressing applications and exhibiting their antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.

Emergence of Transdermal Drug Delivery Technologies: A Historical Synopsis and Systematic Review on Microneedles

Introduced as an appealing alternative to oral and parenteral drug delivery systems, the concept of transdermal drug delivery has undergone significant expansion from the first-generation transdermal patches and permeation-enhancement-driven second-generation agents to the stratum corneum bypassing techniques of third-generation transdermal delivery agents, including microneedles. Commonly referred to as a micron-scale conjugate of transdermal drug products and hypodermic needles, microneedles were introduced primarily to circumvent issues of patient compliance triggered by pain, inflammation, and, in severe cases, abscesses and lesions at the site of administration following the use of hypodermic needles. Since its inception, this concept has evolved majorly in terms of form, material, fabrication technique, and design, and this article thus aims to explore the historical background of microneedles, their modern-day clinical applications, and the challenges and regulatory considerations surrounding their use.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Advances and Challenges in Nanomedicine

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have garnered signiicant attention in the ield of nanomedicine due to their potential to revolutionize drug delivery and therapy. This paper comprehensively reviews the latest advancements in the design, fabrication,and clinical applications of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. The introduction outlines the fundamental concepts of nanoparticlebased drug delivery, elucidating their unique advantages and challenges. The subsequent section delves into the advancements in nanoparticle design and fabrication techniques, showcasing the diversity of approaches in tailoring nanoparticles for speciic therapeutic purposes. Overcoming biological barriers, particularly targeting and penetration, is discussed in detail, emphasizing strategies to enhance the eficiency of drug delivery to target sites. Clinical applications and success stories demonstrate the transformative impact of nanoparticle-based drug delivery in various therapeutic contexts. Despite remarkable progress, challenges and future directions are explored, highlighting the need for addressing issues such as safety, scalability, and regulatory approval. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advances and challenges in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, offering insights into their potential to reshape the landscape of modern medicine.

Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems: Advances and Challenges in Nanomedicine

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have garnered significant attention in the field of nanomedicine due to their potential to revolutionize drug delivery and therapy. This paper comprehensively reviews the latest advancements in the design, fabrication, and clinical applications of nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems. The introduction outlines the fundamental concepts of nanoparticle-based drug delivery, elucidating their unique advantages and challenges. The subsequent section delves into the advancements in nanoparticle design and fabrication techniques, showcasing the diversity of approaches in tailoring nanoparticles for specific therapeutic purposes. Overcoming biological barriers, particularly targeting and penetration, is discussed in detail, emphasizing strategies to enhance the efficiency of drug delivery to target sites. Clinical applications and success stories demonstrate the transformative impact of nanoparticle-based drug delivery in various therapeutic contexts. Despite remarkable progress, challenges and future directions are explored, highlighting the need for addressing issues such as safety, scalability, and regulatory approval. In conclusion, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the advances and challenges in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, offering insights into their potential to reshape the landscape of modern medicine.

Pharmaceutical Considerations of Translabial Formulations for Treatment of Parkinson's Disease: A Concept of Drug Delivery for Unconscious Patients.

The goal of the present research was to isolate a biopolymer from Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris) and Zea mays (Z. mays) plants and used it to construct Resveratrol (RES)-loaded translabial films. Biopolymers were extracted from P. vulgaris and Z. mays seeds using a simple process. Separated biopolymers, sodium carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) and tragacanth were subjected to formulation development by incorporating RES-loaded translabial films. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), physical appearance, weight, thickness, folding endurance, swelling index, surface pH, percent moisture absorption, percent moisture loss, vapor transfer rate, and content uniformity of the translabial films were examined. The mucoadhesive, ex-vivo permeation, in vivo and stability studies, were performed. The results showed that RES-loaded translabial films produced from P. vulgaris and Z. mays biopolymers exhibited exceptional mucoadhesive, stability, and permeation properties. Results revealed that the best formulations were prepared from a combination of biopolymer (P. vulgaris C or Z. mays C) with tragacanth. Formulations with tragacanth revealed good swelling and thus permeation profiles. In vivo release of TL 11 was found to be 24.05 ng/ml in 10 hours and it was stable enough at 45°C. This research suggested that RES-loaded translabial formulations can be potentially used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease with good patient compliance to geriatric and unconscious patients.

Efficacy of copper nanoparticles encapsulated in soya lecithin liposomes in treating breast cancer cells (MCF-7) in vitro

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death, which has attracted the attention of the scientific world to the search for efficient methods for treatment. With the great development and regeneration of nanotechnology over the last 25 years, various nanoparticles in different structures, shapes and composites provide good potential for cancer therapy. There are several drugs approved by FDA used in breast cancer treatment like Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Femara, Herceptin, etc. Each has several side effects as well as treatment, which limits the use of drugs due to heart failure, pulmonary dysfunction, or immunodeficiency. Recently, such side effects are greatly reduced by using innovative delivery techniques. Some drugs have been approved for use in cancer treatment under the concept of drug delivery, such as Doxil (liposomal loaded doxorubicin). The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) as a drug model for cancer treatment, either in their free form or encapsulated in Soy lecithin liposomes (SLP) from plant origin as a cheap source of lipids. CuNPs were prepared by the chemical reduction method and loaded onto SLP through the thin film hydration method. The drug model Cu/SLP was successfully combined. The characteristics of the free CuNPs, liposomes, and the combined form, zeta potential, size distribution, drug encapsulation efficiency (EE%), drug release profile, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were checked, followed by an in vitro study on the breast cancer cell line Mcf-7 as a model for cytotoxicity evaluation. The optimal Cu/SLP had a particle mean size of 81.59 ± 14.93 nm, a negative zeta potential of − 50.7 ± 4.34 mV, loaded CuNPs showed an EE% of 78.9%, a drug release profile for about 50% of the drug was released after 6 h, and FTIR analysis was recorded. The cytotoxicity assay showed that the IC50 of Cu/SLP is smaller than that of free CuNPs. These results give clear evidence of the efficacy of using the combined Cu/SLP rather than CuNPs alone as a model drug carrier prepared from plant origin against cancer, both medically and economically.

A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW ON PRONIOSOMES: A NEW CONCEPT IN OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY

The concept of novel drug delivery with the comparison of modern and conventional delivery system. The Ocular is the most challenging organ to deliver drugs after the brain and conventional delivery systems currently available in the arsenal have severe limitations thus there is a strong demand for an improved ocular delivery system and a suitable opinion is a novel drug delivery system. Noisome and liposome are dominant vesicular carriers in ocular drug delivery, as both systems improve the bioavailability of drugs and are well tolerated in ocular; however, both delivery systems have critical drawbacks of physicochemical stability during storage, lacking contain in dispersion and fusion of nanoparticles. The gel form is formulated by the coacervation phase’s parathion method. The material utilized for the formulation of proniosomes are non-ionic surfactant, cholesterol, carrier and alcohol are well tolerable and nontoxic in the ocular. The benefits offered to ocular drug delivery are prolonged retention time of formulation on the ocular surface, enhance ocular penetration to deliver effective therapeutic dosage, improve bioavailability of hydrophobic, lipophilic and herbal drugs, biocompatible, biodegradable, nontoxic and stable stored in pro-vesicle state. Hereby article will review proniosomes drug delivery from the perspective of ophthalmic delivery, discussing proniosomes as an ocular carrier, materials and methods their effect on ocular drug delivery and depth explanation of recent studies of proniosome in the ocular. Proniosomes are one of the sterile drug delivery systems that have seen a tremendous increase in popularity and are heavily utilized in cancer therapy. Researchers and academicians generally agree that incorporating the medicine into niosomes will improve its ability to target tissues where it is needed. Proniosomes created by academics and researchers. Niosomes that are produced from protostomes are a promising medication delivery system. They are well known for avoiding several issues related to aqueous noisome dispersion as well as issues with physical stability such aggregation, fusion, and leakage. They make transportation, distribution, storage, and dosage even more convenient. Proniosomes not only present a promising medication delivery method but also have the potential to speed up the skin barrier's repair.

Solid lipid nanoparticles; as a promising drug delivery method to get greater bioavailability: A review

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) are the heart of nanotechnology's tremendous development, with multiple practical benefits in drug delivery and research. Because of their size-dependent properties, solid Lipid nanoparticles can be used to create innovative medicines. Drug conversion into nanoparticles provides a new drug delivery concept that could be used for drug targeting. As a result, solid lipid nanoparticles have great promise reaching the goal of targeted and site-specific drug delivery. The goals, production techniques, advantages, limits are all discussed in this review. Scanning electron microscopy and measurement of particle size and zeta potential, dynamic light scattering are examples of appropriate analytical techniques for SLN characterization. By using novel drug formulation technologies, the drug delivery system focuses on the regulation of in vivo dynamics in order to enhance the efficacy and safety of the included pharmaceuticals. Lipids used in the development of Nano particulate dosage forms, such as fatty acids, triglycerides, vegetable oils, and their derivatives. Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are a type of lipid drug delivery method that is relatively new. They were created to solve some of the limitations with traditional drug delivery systems, such as low drug encapsulation efficiency and limited bioavailability of Biopharmaceutical Classification Systems (BCS) class II and IV medications. SLNs are made up of physiologically well tolerated substances and melt-emulsified lipids that are solid at room temperature that helps to enhance drug bioavailability ultimately results in better desired therapeutic effect.

Nanotechnology: Reviewing the New Concept of Drug Delivery

Nanotechnology is mostly applied in pharmaceutical research for so many reasons, but the real goals are to improve or enhance drug solubility/bioavailability and/or delivery to specific sites of action. Nanotechnology is also used to develop new and effective therapeutic devices. Nanotechnology involves the systematic study of smaller molecular structures with a size range between 0.1 to 100 nm. It is useful in various areas like the subspecialties of medicine such as cardiology, ophthalmology, endocrinology, cancer, and immunology, as well as biophysics, molecular biology, and bioengineering. Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology depends on the methods and principles of Nanoscience and nano medicine to pharmacies to develop new drug delivery systems which can overcome the drawbacks or limitations of conventional drug delivery systems.

Light-activated controlled release of camptothecin by engineering porous materials: the ship in a bottle concept in drug delivery.

Many systems for controlled drug release have been developed using different types of nanoparticles modified with azobenzene moieties. In these systems, drug release is often triggered by UV irradiation (either direct or using a near-infrared photosensitizer). These drug delivery systems often face challenges to their use, such as their lack of stability in physiological environments and concerns about their toxicity and bioavailability, that have hindered their translation from pre-clinical studies to clinical trials. Here, we propose a conceptual change by shifting photoswitching activity from the vehicle (nanoparticle) to the load (drug). In this "ship in a bottle" concept, the molecule to be delivered is trapped within a porous nanoparticle and its release is accomplished through a photoisomerization process. Using molecular dynamics, we designed and synthesized a photoswitchable prodrug of the antitumor drug camptothecin that contains an azobenzene functionality, and we have prepared porous silica nanoparticles with pore diameters designed to limit its release when in the trans form. Molecular modelling was used to show that the cis isomer was smaller and better able to pass through the pores than the trans isomer, which was confirmed by stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM). Thus, prodrug-loaded nanoparticles were prepared by loading the cis prodrug and then using UV irradiation to convert cis to trans isomers, trapping them, within the pores. Release of the prodrug was then accomplished by using a different UV wavelength to convert trans isomers back to cis. In this way, prodrug encapsulation and release could be achieved "on demand" through controlled cis-trans photoisomerization, which allowed the prodrug to be delivered safely and its release to be triggered precisely at the region of interest. Finally, the intracellular release and cytotoxic activity of this novel drug delivery system has been validated in several human cell lines, confirming the ability of this system to accurately control the release of the camptothecin prodrug.

Tablet formulation with dual control concept for efficient colonic drug delivery

Aim of this study was to develop a tablet formulation for targeted colonic drug release by implementing two control mechanisms: A pH-sensitive coating layer based on Eudragit® FS 30 D to prevent drug release in the upper gastrointestinal tract, combined with a matrix based on plant-derived polysaccharide xyloglucan to inhibit drug release after coating removal in the small intestine and to allow microbiome triggered drug release in the colon. In vitro dissolution tests simulated the passage through the entire gastrointestinal tract with a four-stage protocol, including microbial xyloglucanase addition in physiologically relevant concentrations as microbiome surrogate to the colonic dissolution medium. Matrix erosion was monitored in parallel to drug release by measurement of reducing sugar equivalents resulting from xyloglucan hydrolysis. Limited drug release in gastric and small intestinal test stages and predominant release in the colonic stage was achieved. The xyloglucan matrix controlled drug release after dissolution of the enteric coating through the formation of a gummy polysaccharide layer at the tablet surface. Matrix degradation was dependent on enzyme concentration in the colonic medium and significantly accelerated drug release resulting in erosion-controlled release process. Drug release at physiologically relevant enzyme concentration was completed within the bounds of colonic transit time. The dual control concept was applicable to two drug substances with different solubility, providing similar release rates in colonic environment containing xyloglucanase. Drug solubility mechanistically affected release, with diffusion of caffeine, but not of 5-ASA, contributing to the overall release rate out of the matrix tablet.

Carbonaceous Nanocomposites for Biomedical Applications as High-Drug Loading Nanocarriers for Sustained Delivery: A Review

Low drug loading and high initial burst release are common drawbacks for most polymeric nanocarriers in their biomedical applications. This review emphasizes the use of unconventional carbonaceous nanocomposites as functional carriers to improve the drug loading capacity and their capability of protecting drugs from the surrounding environment. The unique properties of typical carbonaceous nanocarriers, including nanotube, graphene/graphite, fullerene, and nanodiamonds/diamond-like carbon, are presented. Advanced methods for the surface functionalization of carbonaceous nanocarriers are described, followed by a summary of the most appealing demonstrations for their efficient drug loading and sustained release in vitro or in vivo. The fundamental drug delivery concepts based on controlling mechanisms, such as targeting and stimulation with pH, chemical interactions, and photothermal induction, are discussed. Additionally, the challenges involved in the full utilization of carbonaceous nanocomposites are described, along with the future perspectives of their use for enhanced drug delivery. Finally, despite its recent emergence as a drug carrier, carbon-based nanocellulose has been viewed as another promising candidate. Its structural geometry and unique application in the biomedical field are particularly discussed. This paper, for the first time, taxonomizes nanocellulose as a carbon-based carrier and compares its drug delivery capacities with other nanocarbons. The outcome of this review is expected to open up new horizons of carbonaceous nanocomposites to inspire broader interests across multiple disciplines.

4D prints of flexible dosage forms using thermoplastic polyurethane with hybrid shape memory effect

Thermoplastic polyurethanes are versatile materials due to their flexible and elastic properties. In research, medicine, and pharmacy, they are used in dosage forms, implants or as components of medical devices. To gain a deeper understanding of the influences on unfolding or expanding dosage forms, in this publication, 3D printing was used to produce differently shaped and foldable objects from various technical thermoplastic polyurethane filaments. The shape memory behaviour of the dosage forms was exploited to fold and package them in water-soluble hard gelatin capsules. The unfolding time and dimensional recovery of the 3D printed dosage forms were investigated as a function of material properties and shape. As an example, for the use of flexible dosage forms, 3D models have been designed so that their unfolded size is suitable for possible gastric retention. Depending on the shape and material, different unfolding behaviours could be shown. Over a storage period of 60 days, a time related stress on the 4D printed objects was evaluated, which possibly affects the unfolding process. The results of this work aim to be used to evaluate the behaviour of 3D printed unfolding and expanding dosage forms and how they may be suitable for the development of innovative sustained drug delivery concepts or medicinal devices. The basic principle of a hybrid shape memory effect used here could possibly be applied to other drug delivery strategies besides gastric retention.

Flash drug release from nanoparticles accumulated in the targeted blood vessels facilitates the tumour treatment

Tumour microenvironment hinders nanoparticle transport deep into the tissue precluding thorough treatment of solid tumours and metastatic nodes. We introduce an anticancer drug delivery concept termed FlaRE (Flash Release in Endothelium), which represents alternative to the existing approaches based on enhanced permeability and retention effect. This approach relies on enhanced drug-loaded nanocarrier accumulation in vessels of the target tumour or metastasised organ, followed by a rapid release of encapsulated drug within tens of minutes. It leads to a gradient-driven permeation of the drug to the target tissue. This pharmaceutical delivery approach is predicted by theoretical modelling and validated experimentally using rationally designed MIL-101(Fe) metal-organic frameworks. Doxorubicin-loaded MIL-101 nanoparticles get swiftly trapped in the vasculature of the metastasised lungs, disassemble in the blood vessels within 15 minutes and release drug, which rapidly impregnates the organ. A significant improvement of the therapeutic outcome is demonstrated in animal models of early and late-stage B16-F1 melanoma metastases with 11-fold and 4.3-fold decrease of pulmonary melanoma nodes, respectively.

A new catheter-integrated drug-delivery system for controlled intravesical mitomycin C release

Intravesical treatment of bladder cancer is preferred over systemic administration. However, the efficacy of intravesical instillations is challenged by the periodic voiding that flushes out the instilled drug and ultimately reduces drug exposure to the bladder epithelium. Here, we demonstrate a new catheter-integrated drug-delivery concept that utilizes a silicone-based interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) as material for the catheter balloon, to facilitate continuous release of the bladder cancer adjuvant, Mitomycin C, from a balloon-reservoir to the urinary bladder. Long-term release properties and anti-carcinoma cell efficacy of released drug was investigated in vitro. Short-term release experiments were performed in live pigs to evaluate the IPN prototype catheter in a physiological relevant environment in vivo. Sustained zero-order release of Mitomycin C was achieved for 12 days in vitro without refilling the balloon. Mitomycin C was released from the IPN-balloons into the urinary bladder of live pigs in concentrations adequate to inhibit carcinoma cell growth. The IPN catheter represents a new drug-delivery concept for prolonged Mitomycin C delivery to the urinary bladder.