T. Desai, University of California, San Francisco, CA
In vivo cellular and drug delivery strategies are being developed that capitalize on the strengths of micro- and nanofabrication. By taking advantage of our ability to control chemistry and topography at submicron size scales, we can design synthetic devices which modulate cell function. Examples include nanoporous capsules for cellular delivery, microfabricated drug delivery devices to penetrate cellular barriers, and drug-eluting microrods to control tissue regeneration. Such engineered interfaces may be optimized for biomolecular selectivity and surface bioactivity. Micro- and nanotechnology can add flexibility to current delivery practices while becoming an enabling technology leading not only to new laboratory techniques, but also to new platforms for delivering therapy to the patient.
Summary: In vivo cellular and drug delivery strategies are being developed that capitalize on the strengths of micro- and nanofabrication. By taking advantage of our ability to control chemistry and topography at submicron size scales, we can design synthetic devices which modulate cell function. Examples include nanoporous capsules for cellular delivery, microfabricated drug delivery devices to penetrate cellular barriers, and drug-eluting microrods to control tissue regeneration. Such engineered interfaces may be optimized for biomolecular selectivity and surface bioactivity. Micro- and nanotechnology can add flexibility to current delivery practices while becoming an enabling technology leading not only to new laboratory techniques, but also to new platforms for delivering therapy to the patient.
