Drugs have been targeted to the colon for the treatment of several diseases like ulcerative colitis, amoebiasis, chron's disease and colorectal cancer. Such conditions require local action of the drugs rather than systemic absorption. Several drug delivery systems have been designed to release drugs specifically in the large intestine to improve therapeutic efficacy, to reduce dose of drugs, and amount to low systemic absorption resulting in fewer side effects. Several proteins or peptides which are degraded in the stomach and small intestine due to the abundance of digestive enzymes are also targeted to the colon for systemic absorption and improved therapeutic efficacy (1). However, several challenges are still being faced by researchers for selectively targeting drugs to the colon and newer approaches for drug targeting are being developed.

This is a well thought-out, highly practical text covering contemporary ‘in vitro’ techniques for drug absorption studies. Starting at the molecular level of investigation, it continues with cell monolayer models (both primary and cell lines) and culminates with in situ techniques as a final testing format. In addition, chapters on high-throughput assays, in vitro-in vivo correlation, bioinformatics and regulatory issues are covered, giving a comprehensive overview of available models and techniques. Moreover, an appendix consisting of a number of practical protocols is available online, updated as needed, and should prove very helpful to apply the techniques directly to the benchside.

This contribution book collects reviews and original articles from eminent experts working in the interdisciplinary arena of novel drug delivery systems and their uses. From their direct and recent experience, the readers can achieve a wide vision on the new and ongoing potentialities of different smart drug delivery systems. Since the advent of analytical techniques and capabilities to measure particle sizes in nanometer ranges, there has been tremendous interest in the use of nanoparticles for more efficient methods of drug delivery. On the other hand, this reference discusses advances in the design, optimization, and adaptation of gene delivery systems for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular, diabetic, genetic, and infectious diseases, and considers assessment and review procedures involved in the development of gene-based pharmaceuticals.

Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Colonic Disorders present the current state of the art methods for targeted drug delivery to the colon. These methods can prolong drug half-lives, improve bioavailability, optimize pharmacokinetics, and reduce medication dosing frequency. Chapters are written in a way that allows the audience to not only become familiar with the most recent advancement in the field, but to better understand them by referring to various illustrations, figures, and informative tables. The contents cover an overview of colonic diseases, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, current and traditional therapeutic approaches, biomaterials, oral drug delivery methods, targeted drug delivery, nutraceuticals and herbal medicine approaches, prebiotics, probiotics and symbiotics, nanomedicine approaches, and the current status of clinical trials in the area. Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Colonic Disorders is the perfect resources for researchers in pharma, biomaterials, and nutrition to familiarize themselves with new and upcoming therapeutic methods. Research physicians in GI can also benefit from reading this book for its clinical applications. Covers recent perspectives and challenges towards the treatment of colonic disorders Provides insights into how advanced drug delivery systems can be effectively used for the management of various types of colonic disorders Discusses drug delivery strategies to manage inflammatory bowel disease (chronic inflammation in the digestive tract), ulcerative colitis (inflammation and ulcers in colon), Crohn's disease, Colonic polyps, Shigellosis, Colon Bleeding or Hemorrhage, Diverticulosis and colon cancer

Under the motto “Healthcare Technology for Developing Countries” this book publishes many topics which are crucial for the health care systems in upcoming countries. The topics include Cyber Medical Systems Medical Instrumentation Nanomedicine and Drug Delivery Systems Public Health Entrepreneurship This proceedings volume offers the scientific results of the 6th International Conference on the Development of Biomedical Engineering in Vietnam, held in June 2016 at Ho Chi Minh City.

This book will describe current research on drug delivery systems that encompass four broad categories, namely: routes of delivery, delivery vehicles, payload, and targeting strategies. Where appropriate delivery vehicles and relevant release of specific agents in any of these categories in clinical application will be discussed. All chapters will highlight the translational aspects of the various technologies discussed and will provide insights into the advantages of such delivery systems over current ones in clinical or research use. Each technology reviewed in this book will have significant potential to improve patients' lives by enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of drugs. This book: Discusses the various factors that mitigate effective oral insulin delivery and the current status of research efforts to overcome these barriers along with recent clinical projections Examines the advantages and disadvantages of each drug delivery system Examines the standard method of accomplishing controlled drug release through the incorporation of the drugs within polymeric biomaterials such as capsules and microcapsules as well as other vehicles such as liposomes Discusses various controlled drug delivery systems, including sustained release delivery systems and pulse or delayed release, e.g. to target different regions of the gastrointestinal tract. In view of these wide-ranging technological areas, and the up-to-date discussions of opportunities and challenges associated with these applications, the book should provide readers from technology, materials science, pharmacology and clinical disciplines with very valuable information.

The book provides a single volume covering detailed descriptions about various delivery systems, their principles and how these are put in use for the treatment of multiple diseases. It is divided into four sections where the first section deals with the introduction and importance of novel drug delivery system. The second section deals with the most advanced drug delivery systems like microbubbles, dendrimers, lipid-based nanoparticles, nanofibers, microemulsions etc., describing the major principles and techniques of the preparations of the drug delivery systems. The third section elaborates on the treatments of diverse diseases like cancer, topical diseases, tuberculosis etc. The fourth and final section provides a brief informative description about the regulatory aspects of novel drug delivery system that is followed in various countries.