Functionalized chitosan microparticles for extended intranasal drug delivery
Innovative chitosan microparticles with hydrophobic surfaces offer extended release of hydrophobic drugs for nasal delivery, improving patient compliance by reducing dosing frequency. Ideal for antihistamines and corticosteroids, these microparticles leverage mucoadhesive properties for enhanced absorption.
Overview
Functionalized chitosan microparticles represent a breakthrough in intranasal drug delivery systems, particularly for hydrophobic therapeutics such as antihistamines and corticosteroids. By modifying chitosan to have a hydrophobic surface, these microparticles enhance drug loading and provide a sustained release profile, reducing the frequency of dosing and improving patient compliance. This innovation is particularly beneficial for conditions like rhinitis, where frequent reapplication of medication is often necessary.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Hydrophobic surface modification: Enhances loading of hydrophobic drugs and sustains release.
- Mucoadhesive properties: Improves adherence to nasal lining, promoting better absorption in the olfactory region.
- Extended release: Allows for a longer duration of therapeutic levels in the nasal cavity.
Validation methods:
- Fabrication of microparticles: Size, homogeneity, and mucoadhesiveness will be characterized using scanning electron microscopy, zeta potential, and mucin assays.
- Release profile comparison: Therapeutic release over 24 hours will be measured and compared against commercial nasal delivery systems using HPLC.
- Anti-inflammatory response: Assessed in human nasal epithelial cells by measuring cytokine secretion.
Technology readiness level
Currently at TRL 4, the technology has been validated in laboratory settings with ongoing efforts to further characterize and compare its performance with existing nasal delivery systems. Further validation steps include detailed characterization and performance testing in relevant biological models.
About University of Memphis
The University of Memphis is an R1 public research university with strengths spanning engineering, earth sciences, cognitive science, public health, and business. Signature units include the FedEx Institute of Technology, the Center for Earthquake Research and Information focused on the New Madrid Seismic Zone, and the Institute for Intelligent Systems working at the intersection of AI, learning, and cognitive modeling. Faculty secure competitive funding from agencies such as the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Department of Defense, alongside partnerships with regional industry. The University of Memphis Research Foundation and UMRF Research Park facilitate technology transfer, startup formation, and corporate collaborations. Application domains where the university is particularly active include logistics and supply chain, seismic hazard assessment, cybersecurity, intelligent tutoring and learning technologies, health analytics, and advanced manufacturing.
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