Biotechnology approaches in developing novel drug-delivery systems

Drug delivery is one of the most important aspects of a drug discovery and development program. The drug-delivery system is a design system that may target delivery of drug molecules at a specific site and at a specific rate. Targeting of drugs through a delivery system enables the building up of the capability to direct a drug to a cellular target site of interest for its efficient utilization. Active targeting of drug molecules involves the introduction of functionality to the drug carriers with groups or ligands which can be recognized by receptors on the surfaces of the cells of interest in a precise manner. A biotechnology-based efficient drug-delivery system includes several drug-carrying systems such as liposomes, dendrimers, nanotubes, polymeric micelles, polymeric conjugates, chitosan-based polymers, lipid crystals, nanoparticles, with drug lead molecules, phytochemicals, and derivatives. These systems play an important role in drug delivery. Such systems have characteristics such as low toxicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, derivatization, and immunomodulatory effects that make them stronger candidates for drug delivery. The way by which a drug has to be administered also plays a major role in its efficacy. For the last decade or so, researchers have accelerated their efforts in developing drug-delivery systems which has helped in providing major advancements in drug delivery and targeting. Upgraded novel drug-delivery techniques not only improve efficacy and load but also minimize toxicity and improve efficacy.