Fabrication of self assembled micro reservoirs for controlled drug release

Abstract

Conventional dosage means, such as oral delivery or injection, are the predominant routes for drug delivery. The main drawbacks of these types of dosages consist essentially in a limited control of the drug delivery rate and of the target area. The conventional delivery is often associated with an immediate or rapid drug release. Accordingly, the initial concentration of the drug in the body peaks above the level of toxicity and then gradually diminishes over time to an ineffective level. Besides, the drug can have undesired side-effects if distributed in all the body by the circulatory system. Our activity is aimed at the development of alternative drug delivery methods enabling a more precise control of the delivery rate and target area. A technique for microreservoirs fabrication combining conventional photolithography and self assembling is presented. The drug contained in the microreservoirs can be released by externally applied electromagnetic waves focused on the target volume.