Gels can give drugs a timely release. (biodegradable polymer coating releases drugs only when they reach large intestine)allows release of(Chemistry)(Brief Article)No one likes to get shots, but some drugs can't be swallowed. Stomach acid and enzymes break down proteins, including insulin and other hormones, which would also be poorly absorbed in the stomach because of their high molecular weight. Both doctors and patients would like to have ways to administer these drugs orally. Emmanuel O. Akala, Pavla Kopeckov, and Jindrich Kopecek of the University of Utah The University of Utah (also The U or the U of U or the UU), located in Salt Lake City, is the flagship public research university in the state of Utah, and one of 10 institutions that make up the Utah System of Higher Education. in Salt Lake City have synthesized a biodegradable polymer that can work as a protective coating on pills, preventing the release of the drugs until they reach the large intestine large intestine End section of the intestine. It is about 5 ft (1.5 m) long, is wider than the small intestine, and has a smooth inner wall. In the first half, enzymes from the small intestine complete digestion, and bacteria produce many B vitamins and vitamin K. . The hydrogel hy·dro·gel n. A colloidal gel in which the particles are dispersed in water. hydrogel a gel that contains water. hydrogel Wound care A polymer absorptive wound dressing. See Dressing. takes advantage of the difference in acidity between the stomach and large intestine. The gel is unaffected in the stomach, but once it enters the less acidic large intestine, it takes up water and swells. "There will be an increase in the pore size of the hydrogel," Akala says, "so the drug diffuses out." The swelling is gradual, so the gel can pass through the small intestine small intestine Long, narrow, convoluted tube in which most digestion takes place. It extends 22–25 ft (6.7–7.6 m), from the stomach to the large intestine. to the large intestine before releasing large amounts of the drug. Scientists are targeting the large intestine because "it's a less hostile environment See: operational environment. " than the stomach, Akala says. Also, retention times there are long-between 15 and 64 hours-allowing plenty of time for drug absorption. |
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