Advances in Drug Delivery Systems (modules I and II)
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to deepen the principles behind formulation/design, preparation/production and control of the main forms of conventional dosage and modified release.
In addition, this objective is sought by means of student participation in practical laboratory exercises.
In addition, this objective is sought by means of student participation in practical laboratory exercises.
Expected learning outcomes
At the end of the course the student must have a thorough knowledge of the various types of dosage forms and be able to propose formulation strategies for the development of specific products.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Prerequisites for admission
The knowledge of technological operations for the preparation of oral solid pharmaceutical forms and basic knowledge of biopharmaceuticals are useful for a fruitful use of the course.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam of the course is oral and includes a lecture of a research topic chosen by the student. The topic is related to what was taught in class. The lecture is followed by a discussion
Advances in Drug Delivery Systems Mod. I
Course syllabus
The program includes an in-depth study of the production of medicinal products or health products (food supplements) in innovative dosage forms. Specifically, the following topics will be explored:
- formulation aspects of orodispersible pharmaceutical forms;
- preparation of chewable/gummy dosage forms
- production of innovative dosage forms through 3D printing, considering industrial-scale and small-scale applications (personalized medicine);
- use of nanotechnologies for drug delivery, with a particular focus on the formulation of lipid nanovectors for the delivery of genetic material across biological barriers;
- preparation of scaffolds for tissue engineering;
The exercises, similar to the topics covered in the lectures, will cover:
- formulation, preparation, and characterization of orodispersible films (possibly containing microparticles) for the sustained release of active ingredients;
- Preparation and characterization of lipid and/or polymeric nanosystems;
- Preparation of scaffolds
- Design (through the creation of a CAD file) and preparation of any process intermediates (e.g., extruded filaments) as well as prototypes printed using various 3D printing techniques;
- Formulation, preparation, and characterization of gummy products based on different gelling agents, of animal or plant origin, with or without sugar
- formulation aspects of orodispersible pharmaceutical forms;
- preparation of chewable/gummy dosage forms
- production of innovative dosage forms through 3D printing, considering industrial-scale and small-scale applications (personalized medicine);
- use of nanotechnologies for drug delivery, with a particular focus on the formulation of lipid nanovectors for the delivery of genetic material across biological barriers;
- preparation of scaffolds for tissue engineering;
The exercises, similar to the topics covered in the lectures, will cover:
- formulation, preparation, and characterization of orodispersible films (possibly containing microparticles) for the sustained release of active ingredients;
- Preparation and characterization of lipid and/or polymeric nanosystems;
- Preparation of scaffolds
- Design (through the creation of a CAD file) and preparation of any process intermediates (e.g., extruded filaments) as well as prototypes printed using various 3D printing techniques;
- Formulation, preparation, and characterization of gummy products based on different gelling agents, of animal or plant origin, with or without sugar
Teaching methods
The lessons, integrated with exercises, are organized so that the student can acquire skills in the creation of innovative pharmaceutical forms and in the statistical re-elaboration of the characterization results obtained.
Teaching Resources
1. Slides of the lessons provided by the teacher or downloadable from the ARIEL website
2. P. Colombo, P.L. Catellani, A. Gazzaniga et al., Principi e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, CEA, Milano (2007).
2. P. Colombo, P.L. Catellani, A. Gazzaniga et al., Principi e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, CEA, Milano (2007).
Advances in Drug Delivery Systems Mod. II
Course syllabus
The class lessons program includes:
- innovative oral solid pharmaceutical forms
- Quality by Design paradigm for pharmaceutical production
- oral delayed-release systems
For the laboratory lessons part:
- characterization of powders for pharmaceutical use
- mixing of powders
- preparation of tablets
- coating of solid pharmaceutical forms
- preparation of multiparticulate forms
- physical-technological characterization of oral solid pharmaceutical forms
- innovative oral solid pharmaceutical forms
- Quality by Design paradigm for pharmaceutical production
- oral delayed-release systems
For the laboratory lessons part:
- characterization of powders for pharmaceutical use
- mixing of powders
- preparation of tablets
- coating of solid pharmaceutical forms
- preparation of multiparticulate forms
- physical-technological characterization of oral solid pharmaceutical forms
Teaching methods
The lessons include a theoretical study of the knowledge acquired in previous Pharmaceutical Technology courses and the putting into practice of different processes and methodologies
Teaching Resources
1. Slides of the lessons provided by the teacher or downloadable from the ARIEL website
2. P. Colombo, P.L. Catellani, A. Gazzaniga et al., Principi e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, CEA, Milano (2007).
2. P. Colombo, P.L. Catellani, A. Gazzaniga et al., Principi e Tecnologie Farmaceutiche, CEA, Milano (2007).
Modules or teaching units
Advances in Drug Delivery Systems Mod. I
CHIM/09 - PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - University credits: 4
Single bench laboratory practical: 32 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Franze' Silvia, Melocchi Alice
Advances in Drug Delivery Systems Mod. II
CHIM/09 - PHARMACEUTICAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHEMISTRY - University credits: 4
Single bench laboratory practical: 32 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Lessons: 16 hours
Professors:
Gazzaniga Andrea, Palugan Luca
Professor(s)