"Revolutionizing Drug Delivery: Hydrogels as Efficient Carriers"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Phys.org
Researchers at MIT have developed a new method for processing and delivering hydrophobic drugs, which are difficult to dissolve in water. The method involves dissolving the drug in a carrier solution and generating nanodroplets dispersed in a polymer solution. These nanodroplets are then gelled into a hydrogel, which holds the drug nanocrystals in place as the carrier evaporates. The hydrogel prevents the nanodroplets from merging together, resulting in uniform nanoparticles. This approach allows for precise control over drug release, including delayed and sequential release. The process shows promise for improving drug bioavailability and enabling the combination of multiple drugs in a single pill.