Tag: Drug delivery

Starch is the primary source of carbohydrates for humans, and the way our bodies process it has profound clinical implications. Variations in its molecular structure, processing methods, and type directly influence blood glucose levels, intestinal flora, and overall metabolic health.

The US FDA recognizes Zein, a protein derived from corn, as a 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) biological material. This natural biopolymer’s unique properties, including its biocompatibility and biodegradability, are unlocking a multitude of benefits across various industries, from medicine to food science.

Lignin, the second most abundant natural polymer after cellulose, has transitioned from an industrial waste product to a promising source of bioactive compounds for medical applications. Its complex structure, abundant phenolic groups, and natural defense functions give rise to a variety of medicinal properties currently under intense scientific investigation. Emerging research highlights its potential as a natural, sustainable, and highly versatile biomaterial in biomedicine.

According to reports, up to 90% of new drug candidates are poorly water-soluble, which poses a significant challenge for effective delivery. Addressing this, mixed micelles—nano-sized colloidal structures formed from a mixture of amphiphilic molecules—offer an elegant solution by significantly improving the aqueous solubility of otherwise insoluble substances.

Over 170 carbohydrate-based drugs have been approved for use, showcasing the significant and expanding role these biomolecules play in modern medicine. Far beyond their function as a primary energy source, carbohydrates are now crucial for applications ranging from targeted drug delivery to therapeutic agents and medical imaging.

While most therapeutic peptides have traditionally required injections, recent advances in drug delivery technology have made oral peptide pills a reality for a select number of conditions. This shift offers greater patient convenience, but also requires complex strategies to overcome the digestive system's natural barriers. Understanding what a peptide pill does means exploring how these small chains of amino acids can survive the stomach and intestine to exert their effects throughout the body.

Over 95% of therapeutic peptides have historically been administered via injection, largely because the delicate amino acid chains are easily destroyed by the digestive system. However, asking "are peptides oral or injectable?" reveals a complex landscape, as significant research and new formulations are enabling oral delivery for some peptides.

While the terms 'liposomal' and 'lipid' are related, a common misconception is that they are interchangeable. A lipid is a broad category of fatty, waxy, or oily organic compounds, but 'liposomal' refers to a specific technology that uses a lipid-based shell, called a liposome, to encapsulate and deliver substances. This critical difference means that while liposomes contain lipids, they are not the same thing.

Over 80% of all oral drug dosage forms are tablets, and the vast majority of these contain cellulose or its derivatives. Cellulose in medicine is a versatile, plant-based polymer that acts primarily as an inert, non-active ingredient known as an excipient, playing crucial roles in formulation stability, drug release, and delivery.

While L-amino acids are the building blocks of most proteins, scientists have discovered that the less common D-amino acids are vital to health, functioning as neurotransmitters and powerful signaling molecules. The growing body of research on the benefits of D-amino acids reveals their crucial roles in the brain, immune system, and gut health.