Nanomedicines

Question 1

Describe advantages of using nanotechnology in drug delivery?

Answer 1

Controlled release of the drug
can control size, shape and elastic modulus which aids binding and internalization of cells
Drug delivery to a specific site or location so healthy tissue damage can be avoided
Reduced toxic and systemic side effects
Major benefits in cancer therapy and diagnosis and more precise
Faster diagnosis which leads to faster treatment
Reduced dosage is needed which would mean reduced costs and reduced complications like bleeding
Increased shelf life
Increased bioavailability and solubility of drug

Question 2

Describe the processes used in the making of Metal nanoparticles?

Answer 2

• High energy laser= evaporate atoms from metals surface
• Chemical, photochemical, electrochemical synthesis
• Microemulsion mediated synthesis
• Seed mediated synthesis and growth
• Chemical vapour deposition
• API absorbed onto surface

Question 3

Describe the processes used in the making of polymeric nanoparticles?

Answer 3

• Solvent evaporation
• Spontaneous emulsification
• Solvent diffusion
• Polymerisation
• API encapsulated in polymeric matrix

Question 4

Describe the processes used in the making of liposome nanoparticles?

Answer 4

• Load both hydrophobic and hydrophilic component in lipid bilayer of the core
• Extruded from membranes
• Obtained by emulsions

Question 5

What ways is a drug released from a a nanoparticle?

Answer 5

1. Diffusion controlled release
2. Enzymatic or hydrolytic degradation of the bond between the polymer and drug
3. Release promoted by physical properties and controlled by internal or external stimuli= PH-sensitive release, temp sensitive release
4. Solvent controlled release= swelling of the carrier material through osmosis