Design and performance of specialized delivery systems (SDSs), such as liposomes, micellar solutions and microemulsions. SDSs proposed for the administration of biological response modifier are generally divided into two main categories: those defined as controlled drug-release systems and those that are target drug-release systems, depending on the kinetics of drug release and the
site of action. Controlled release systems are designed both to release the drug in a predetermined and reproducible fashion and to achieve a delivery profile yielding a high blood-level of the drug over a long period of time. Targeted delivery systems are designed to improve the therapeutic index of the drug released when it selectively accumulates in specific tissues, organs or cell types.
In our laboratory, a range of materials and delivery systems has been employed to control the release of drugs, including liposomes, cationic liposomes, micellar solutions, gelified supramolecular vehicles, solid lipid nanoparticles and microemulsions.