Patient-Controlled Drug Delivery System Utilizing Mechanical Stimuli-Responsive Gel Carrier

Abstract

Various stimuli (thermal, light, magnetic, etc.)-responsive materials are widely used as DDS carriers. These materials are very useful for realizing innovative DDS; however, their utilization may require investment on infrastructure. In this article, a novel gel carrier that release drugs in response to mechanical force generated by patients' hands is introduced. The gel consisted of sodium/calcium alginate and cyclodextrin-crosslinker, and ondansetron was loaded as a model drug. The drug release occurred in response to compression that mimicked the force applied by patients' hands. In addition to contribution to QOL, this DDS can be a novel dosing methodology for patients in developing countries and those lacking in lifelines due to disaster.