Title:Hydrophilic Polymers for Modified-Release Nanoparticles: A Review of Mathematical Modelling for Pharmacokinetic Analysis
Volume: 21
Issue: 22
Author(s): Tatiana Andreani, Joana F. Fangueiro, Sajan Jose, Antonello Santini, Amelia M. Silva and Eliana B. Souto
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Hydrophilic polymers, mathematic modelling, modified release nanoparticles, pharmacokinetics.
Abstract: Hydrophilic polymers are the most common group of polymers used in the preparation of modifiedrelease
drug delivery systems. This is due to their versatility, low cost, high production yield, as well as easy manufacturing
and adequate in vitro/in vivo correlation. In normal physiological conditions, the matrix controls the release of the loaded drug
over time through a process of diffusion and/or erosion of the matrix, depending on its physicochemical composition. This is particularly
relevant when describing the pharmacokinetic profile of nanosized drug delivery systems (nanoparticles). The use of mathematical models
became an important tool to characterize the pharmacokinetics of drugs loaded in nanoparticles to improve the drug bioavailability
and to establish bioequivalence. Therefore, the drug release profile can be predicted by a minimum number of experimental studies, since
the mathematical equations reveal the dissolution rate of the drug loaded in the hydrophilic matrix. The present paper discusses the use of
mathematical models when developing modified-release drug delivery systems of nanometer size composed of hydrophilic polymers.
