Close-up view of the tiny bottles.
click on image to enlarge
Microscopic, bottle-like structures with corks that melt at
precisely-controlled temperatures could potentially release drugs inside the
body or fragrances onto the skin, according to a recently published study.
Typical drug delivery systems act more like sponges than
bottles. For example, drugs are absorbed into polymer particles and then
allowed to diffuse out over time. The researchers hope that the new system may
allow for greater control of drug delivery. Cargo would stay inside the hollow
polymer particle when plugged with a solid cork. When the cork is melted by
body heat, the drugs would quickly flow out of the particle bottle.