Development of a Targeted Drug Delivery System for Colon-Specific Release: A Comprehensive Review
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Abstract
Colon-specific drug delivery systems have gained considerable attention due to their ability to deliver drugs selectively to the colon for both local and systemic therapeutic applications. These systems are particularly useful in
the treatment of diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, colorectal cancer, and irritable bowel syndrome. The colon offers a unique physiological environment, including near-neutral pH, reduced enzymatic activity, and prolonged transit time, which can be exploited for targeted drug delivery. However, several physiological barriers, such as variable pH, enzymatic degradation, and gastrointestinal transit, pose challenges in achieving precise drug release. This review discusses the anatomy and physiology of the colon, various approaches to colon targeting,
formulation strategies, polymers used, recent advancements including nanoparticle-based systems, evaluation techniques, and future perspectives.
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