Development of controlled-release devices for photodynamic therapy of cancer

• DOI: 10.1556/pollack.2.2007.2.11
• Publication Date: 2007-08-14T19:14:00Z
• Authors: Stefan Varga; Silvia Patachia; Rodica Ion
• Keywords: 0211 other engineering and technologies; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; TA Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General) / általános mérnöki tudományok; 3. Good health

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biocompatible and non-toxic polymer able to form a hydrogel network suitable for drug encapsulation and delivery. A directional controlled release device for porphyrins used in cancer therapy has been devised and implemented based on the swelling and collapse capability of the PVA-based hydrogel. An improved version of this device, having a multi-laminar design with a retarder membrane, is accomplished. The devices can function as model systems for the advanced engineering of transdermal drug-delivery devices for various therapeutic applications (photodynamic therapy, viral inactivation and treatment of psoriasis).