282
A. S. Shinde et al.
23 Microfluidic Devices for Drug Delivery
Microfluidics has been developed over the years to address the challenges faced in
developing an efficient DDS. Some of the key advantages in microfluidics are the
ability to precisely control individual cells, controlled and targeted delivery with
high efficiency and high cell viability [138, 139]. This has developed the concept
of single-cell technology, which allows manipulation and study of an individual cell
[140, 141]. The cell membranes are temporarily permeabilized to enable the passage
of targeted cargo molecules into the cell. Based on the source of energy used for
permeabilization the techniques can classify as electroporation (electric field) [142],
photoporation (laser) [143] and mechanoporation (shear stress force) [144]. Once the
membrane is permeabilized, the drug is pumped inside the cell either by an active
or passive mechanism. The use of physical energy with a microfluidics platform
enables localized permeabilization of the cell membrane by application of the nano
field [145]. These cell membrane pores reseal within few seconds to few minutes
based on the density and size of the pores created [146]. In a study, opsin encoded
genes were transfected to mouse retina to repair the eyesight using optoporation
[147]. The shape and size of the nanoparticles could be designed to achieve higher
drug delivery efficiency with higher cell viability [148].
Further, optical tools have been developed that can insert individual drug
molecules into the cell [149]. Microfluidics is also being explored for making
microreactors to synthesize nanoparticles to, reduce the reagents required, and control
the size distribution curve [150]. The development of microfluidic platforms for
biomedical applications has increased the functionality of tools to explore hidden
aspects of the biological study [151].
24 Immune-Compatibility of Biomedical Nanoparticles
Nanoparticle-based drugs, when administered intravenously, interact immediately
with the blood components (e.g., serum proteins). This causes a change in their
characteristics, which consequently changes the featured interactions with tissues
and cells. The most important communication is between nanomedicine and the
immune system, which may cause recognition and elimination of the nanoparticles
considered as a dangerous foreign agent. Thus, nanomedicine must be able to avoid
identification by immune cells to reach their therapeutic target and cause its effect.
The defense mechanism should not be triggered, which may cause damage to the
body tissues by complement activation or inflammation. The nanomedicine should
also not obstruct the immunocompetent cells to avoid immune-related diseases.
The characteristics of nanomedicines, such as size, shape, chemical composition,
surface charge, and route of administration, will help to prolong it’s in vivo persistence
and efficacy. Three immunological issues must be considered during the fabrication
of drug-loaded nanoparticles and their administration into human patients.
A. S. Shinde et al.
23 Microfluidic Devices for Drug Delivery
Microfluidics has been developed over the years to address the challenges faced in
developing an efficient DDS. Some of the key advantages in microfluidics are the
ability to precisely control individual cells, controlled and targeted delivery with
high efficiency and high cell viability [138, 139]. This has developed the concept
of single-cell technology, which allows manipulation and study of an individual cell
[140, 141]. The cell membranes are temporarily permeabilized to enable the passage
of targeted cargo molecules into the cell. Based on the source of energy used for
permeabilization the techniques can classify as electroporation (electric field) [142],
photoporation (laser) [143] and mechanoporation (shear stress force) [144]. Once the
membrane is permeabilized, the drug is pumped inside the cell either by an active
or passive mechanism. The use of physical energy with a microfluidics platform
enables localized permeabilization of the cell membrane by application of the nano
field [145]. These cell membrane pores reseal within few seconds to few minutes
based on the density and size of the pores created [146]. In a study, opsin encoded
genes were transfected to mouse retina to repair the eyesight using optoporation
[147]. The shape and size of the nanoparticles could be designed to achieve higher
drug delivery efficiency with higher cell viability [148].
Further, optical tools have been developed that can insert individual drug
molecules into the cell [149]. Microfluidics is also being explored for making
microreactors to synthesize nanoparticles to, reduce the reagents required, and control
the size distribution curve [150]. The development of microfluidic platforms for
biomedical applications has increased the functionality of tools to explore hidden
aspects of the biological study [151].
24 Immune-Compatibility of Biomedical Nanoparticles
Nanoparticle-based drugs, when administered intravenously, interact immediately
with the blood components (e.g., serum proteins). This causes a change in their
characteristics, which consequently changes the featured interactions with tissues
and cells. The most important communication is between nanomedicine and the
immune system, which may cause recognition and elimination of the nanoparticles
considered as a dangerous foreign agent. Thus, nanomedicine must be able to avoid
identification by immune cells to reach their therapeutic target and cause its effect.
The defense mechanism should not be triggered, which may cause damage to the
body tissues by complement activation or inflammation. The nanomedicine should
also not obstruct the immunocompetent cells to avoid immune-related diseases.
The characteristics of nanomedicines, such as size, shape, chemical composition,
surface charge, and route of administration, will help to prolong it’s in vivo persistence
and efficacy. Three immunological issues must be considered during the fabrication
of drug-loaded nanoparticles and their administration into human patients.