Controlled release of hyaluronan oligomers from biodegradable polymeric microparticle carriers

Sodium hyaluronate-g-2-((N-(6-aminohexyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamido)-N-hydroxyacetamide with enhanced affinity towards MMP12 catalytic domain to be used as visco-supplement with increased degradation resistance

The present paper describes the functionalization of sodium hyaluronate (NaHA) with a small molecule (2-((N-(6-aminohexyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonamido)-N-hydroxyacetamide) (MMPI) having proven inhibitory activity against membrane metalloproteins involved in inflammatory processes (i.e. MMP12). The obtained derivative (HA-MMPI) demonstrated an increased resistance to the in-vitro degradation by hyaluronidase, viscoelastic properties close to those of healthy human synovial fluid, cytocompatibility towards human chondrocytes and nanomolar affinity towards MMP 12. Thus, HA-MMPI can be considered a good candidate as viscosupplement in the treatment of knee osteoarticular disease.

Hyaluronic Acid and Controlled Release: A Review

Hyaluronic acid (HA) also known as hyaluronan, is a natural polysaccharide—an anionic, non-sulfated glycosaminoglycan—commonly found in our bodies. It occurs in the highest concentrations in the eyes and joints. Today HA is used during certain eye surgeries and in the treatment of dry eye disease. It is a remarkable natural lubricant that can be injected into the knee for patients with knee osteoarthritis. HA has also excellent gelling properties due to its capability to bind water very quickly. As such, it is one the most attractive controlled drug release matrices and as such, it is frequently used in various biomedical applications. Due to its reactivity, HA can be cross-linked or conjugated with assorted bio-macromolecules and it can effectively encapsulate several different types of drugs, even at nanoscale. Moreover, the physiological significance of the interactions between HA and its main membrane receptor, CD44 (a cell-surface glycoprotein that modulates cell–cell interactions, cell adhesion and migration), in pathological processes, e.g., cancer, is well recognized and this has resulted in an extensive amount of studies on cancer drug delivery and tumor targeting. HA acts as a therapeutic but also as a tunable matrix for drug release. Thus, this review focuses on controlled or sustained drug release systems assembled from HA and its derivatives. More specifically, recent advances in controlled release of proteins, antiseptics, antibiotics and cancer targeting drugs from HA and its derivatives were reviewed. It was shown that controlled release from HA has many benefits such as optimum drug concentration maintenance, enhanced therapeutic effects, improved efficiency of treatment with less drug, very low or insignificant toxicity and prolonged in vivo release rates.

A Comparative Study on Micellar and Solubilizing Behavior of Three EO-PO Based Star Block Copolymers Varying in Hydrophobicity and Their Application for the In Vitro Release of Anticancer Drugs

The temperature and pH dependent self-assembly of three star shaped ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (EO-PO) block copolymers (Tetronics^® 304, 904 and 908) with widely different hydrophobicity was examined in aqueous solutions. Physico-chemical methods viz. viscosity, cloud point, solubilization along with thermal, scattering and spectral techniques shows strongly temperature and salt dependent solution behavior. T304 possessing low molecular weight did not form micelles; moderately hydrophilic T904 remained as micelles at ambient temperature and showed micellar growth while very hydrophilic T908 formed micelles at elevated temperatures. The surface activity/micellization/solubilization power was favored in the presence of salt. The copolymers turn more hydrophilic in acidic pH due to protonation of central ethylene diamine moiety that hinders micelle formation. The solubilization of a model insoluble azo dye 1-(o-Tolylazo)-2-naphthol (Orange OT) and hydrophobic drugs (quercetin and curcumin) for copolymer solutions in aqueous and salt solutions are also reported. Among the three copolymers, T904 showed maximum solubility of dye and drugs, hence the in vitro release of drugs from T904 micelles was estimated and the effect on cytotoxicity of loading the drugs in T904 micelles was compared with the cytotoxicity of free drugs on the CHO-K1 cells. The results from the present work provide a better insight in selection of Tetronics^® for their application in different therapeutic applications.

In vivo Pharmacological Evaluations of Pilocarpine-Loaded Antioxidant-Functionalized Biodegradable Thermogels in Glaucomatous Rabbits

To alleviate oxidative stress-induced ocular hypertension, grafting of antioxidant molecules to drug carriers enables a dual-function mechanism to effectively treat glaucomatous intraocular pressure (IOP) dysregulation. Providing potential application for intracameral administration of antiglaucoma medications, this study, for the first time, aims to examine in vivo pharmacological efficacy of pilocarpine-loaded antioxidant-functionalized biodegradable thermogels in glaucomatous rabbits. A series of gallic acid (GA)-grafted gelatin-g-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (GN) polymers were synthesized via redox reactions at 20-50 °C. Our results showed that raising redox radical initiation reaction temperature maximizes GA grafting level, antioxidant activity, and water content at 40 °C. Meanwhile, increase in overall hydrophilicity of GNGA carriers leads to fast polymer degradation and early pilocarpine depletion in vivo, which is disadvantageous to offer necessary pharmacological performance at prolonged time. By contrast, sustained therapeutic drug concentrations in aqueous humor can be achieved for long-term (i.e., 28 days) protection against corneal aberration and retinal injury after pilocarpine delivery using dual-function optimized carriers synthesized at 30 °C. The GA-functionalized injectable hydrogels are also found to contribute significantly to enhancement of retinal antioxidant defense system and preservation of histological structure and electrophysiological function, thereby supporting the benefits of drug-containing antioxidant biodegradable thermogels to prevent glaucoma development.

Controlled Delivery of Tissue Inductive Factors in a Cardiovascular Hybrid Biomaterial Scaffold

Hybrid biomaterials, combining naturally derived and synthetic materials, offer a tissue engineering platform that can provide initial mechanical support from a synthetic biomaterial, as well as a viable, bioactive substrate to support native cell infiltration and remodeling. The goal of this work was to develop a directional delivery system for bioactive molecules that can be coupled with a hybrid biomaterial. It was hypothesized that by using poly(propylene fumarate) as a scaffold to encapsulate PLGA microparticles, a tunable and directional release would be achieved from the intact scaffold into the bioactive substrate, pericardium. Release will occur as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles degrade hydrolytically into biocompatible molecules, leaving the PPF scaffold unchanged within the release time frame and able to mechanically support the pericardium substrate through remodeling. This study evaluated the degradation and strength of the composite polymer layer, and determined the release of encapsulated factors to occur over 8 days, while the bulk polymer remained intact with near 100% of its original mass. Next, this study demonstrated sustained bioactive molecule release into cell culture, causing significant changes to cellular metabolic activity. In particular, delivering vascular endothelial growth factor from the composite material to endothelial cells increased metabolic activity over the same cells with unloaded composite material. Additionally, delivering tumor necrosis factor α from the composite material to L929 cells significantly reduced metabolic activity compared to the same cells with unloaded composite material (p < 0.05). Finally, directional release into a bioactive substrate was confirmed with localized immunostaining of the encapsulated factor.

Gallic acid grafting effect on delivery performance and antiglaucoma efficacy of antioxidant-functionalized intracameral pilocarpine carriers

Functionalization of therapeutic carrier biomaterials can potentially provide additional benefits in drug delivery for disease treatment. Given that this modification determines final therapeutic efficacy of drug carriers, here, we investigate systematically the role of grafting amount of antioxidant gallic acid (GA) onto GN in situ gelling copolymers made of biodegradable gelatin and thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) for intracameral delivery of pilocarpine in antiglaucoma treatment. As expected, increasing redox reaction time increased total antioxidant activities and free radical scavenging abilities of synthesized carrier biomaterials. The hydrophilic nature of antioxidant molecules strongly affected physicochemical properties of carrier materials with varying GA grafting amounts, thereby dictating in vitro release behaviors and mechanisms of pilocarpine. In vitro oxidative stress challenges revealed that biocompatible carriers with high GA content alleviated lens epithelial cell damage and reduced reactive oxygen species. Intraocular pressure and pupil diameter in glaucomatous rabbits showed correlations with GA-mediated release of pilocarpine. Additionally, enhanced pharmacological treatment effects prevented corneal endothelial cell loss during disease progression. Increasing GA content increased total antioxidant level and decreased nitrite level in the aqueous humor, suggesting a much improved antioxidant status in glaucomatous eyes. This work significantly highlights the dependence of physicochemical properties, drug release behaviors, and bioactivities on intrinsic antioxidant capacities of therapeutic carrier biomaterials for glaucoma treatment.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Development of injectable biodegradable polymer depots and functionalization of carrier biomaterials with antioxidant can potentially provide benefits such as improved bioavailability, controlled release pattern, and increased therapeutic effect in intracameral pilocarpine administration for glaucoma treatment. For the first time, this study demonstrated that the biodegradable in situ gelling copolymers can incorporate different levels of antioxidant gallic acid to tailor the structure-property-function relationship of the intracameral drug delivery system. The systematic evaluation fully verified the dependence of phase transition, degradation behavior, drug release mechanism, and antiglaucoma efficacy on intrinsic antioxidant capacities of carrier biomaterials. The report highlights the significant role of grafting amount of gallic acid in optimizing performance of antioxidant-functionalized polymer therapeutics as new drug delivery platforms in disease treatment.

Engineering vascularized soft tissue flaps in an animal model using human adipose-derived stem cells and VEGF+PLGA/PEG microspheres on a collagen-chitosan scaffold with a flow-through vascular pedicle

Insufficient neovascularization is associated with high levels of resorption and necrosis in autologous and engineered fat grafts. We tested the hypothesis that incorporating angiogenic growth factor into a scaffold-stem cell construct and implanting this construct around a vascular pedicle improves neovascularization and adipogenesis for engineering soft tissue flaps. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic-acid/polyethylene glycol (PLGA/PEG) microspheres containing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were impregnated into collagen-chitosan scaffolds seeded with human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs). This setup was analyzed in vitro and then implanted into isolated chambers around a discrete vascular pedicle in nude rats. Engineered tissue samples within the chambers were harvested and analyzed for differences in vascularization and adipose tissue growth. In vitro testing showed that the collagen-chitosan scaffold provided a supportive environment for hASC integration and proliferation. PLGA/PEG microspheres with slow-release VEGF had no negative effect on cell survival in collagen-chitosan scaffolds. In vivo, the system resulted in a statistically significant increase in neovascularization that in turn led to a significant increase in adipose tissue persistence after 8 weeks versus control constructs. These data indicate that our model-hASCs integrated with a collagen-chitosan scaffold incorporated with VEGF-containing PLGA/PEG microspheres supported by a predominant vascular vessel inside a chamber-provides a promising, clinically translatable platform for engineering vascularized soft tissue flap. The engineered adipose tissue with a vascular pedicle could conceivably be transferred as a vascularized soft tissue pedicle flap or free flap to a recipient site for the repair of soft-tissue defects.

Nanoparticles for localized delivery of hyaluronan oligomers towards regenerative repair of elastic matrix

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are rupture-prone progressive dilations of the infrarenal aorta due to a loss of elastic matrix that lead to weakening of the aortic wall. Therapies to coax biomimetic regenerative repair of the elastic matrix by resident, diseased vascular cells may thus be useful to slow, arrest or regress AAA growth. Hyaluronan oligomers (HA-o) have been shown to induce elastic matrix synthesis by healthy and aneurysmal rat aortic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in vitro but only via exogenous dosing, which potentially has side-effects and limitations to in vivo delivery towards therapy. In this paper, we describe the development of HA-o loaded poly(lactide-co-glycolide) nanoparticles (NPs) for targeted, controlled and sustained delivery of HA-o towards the elastogenic induction of aneurysmal rat aortic SMCs. These NPs were able to deliver HA-o over an extended period (>30 days) at previously determined elastogenic doses (0.2-20 μg ml(-1)). HA-o released from the NPs led to dose-dependent increases in elastic matrix synthesis, and the recruitment and activity of lysyl oxidase, the enzyme which cross-links elastin precursor molecules into mature fibers/matrix. Therefore, we were able to successfully develop a nanoparticle-based system for controlled and sustained HA-o delivery for the in vitro elastogenic induction of aneurysmal rat aortic smooth muscle cells.

Polysaccharide-modified scaffolds for controlled lentivirus delivery in vitro and after spinal cord injury

Gene delivering biomaterials have increasingly been employed to modulate the cellular microenvironment to promote tissue regeneration, yet low transduction efficiency has been a persistent challenge for in vivo applications. In this report, we investigated the surface modification of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) scaffolds with polysaccharides, which have been implicated in binding lentivirus but have not been used for delivery. Chitosan was directly conjugated onto PLG scaffolds, whereas heparin and hyaluronan were indirectly conjugated onto PLG scaffolds with multi-amine crosslinkers. The addition of chitosan and heparin onto PLG promoted the association of lentivirus to these scaffolds and enhanced their transduction efficiency in vitro relative to hyaluronan-conjugated and control scaffolds that had limited lentivirus association and transduction. Transduction efficiency in vitro was increased partly due to an enhanced retention of virus on the scaffold as well as an extended half-life of viral activity. Transduction efficiency was also evaluated in vivo using porous, multiple channel PLG bridges that delivered lentivirus to the injured mouse spinal cord. Transgene expression persisted for weeks after implantation, and was able to enhance axon growth and myelination. These studies support gene-delivering PLG scaffolds for in vivo regenerative medicine applications.

Advances in biomimetic regeneration of elastic matrix structures

Elastin is a vital component of the extracellular matrix, providing soft connective tissues with the property of elastic recoil following deformation and regulating the cellular response via biomechanical transduction to maintain tissue homeostasis. The limited ability of most adult cells to synthesize elastin precursors and assemble them into mature crosslinked structures has hindered the development of functional tissue-engineered constructs that exhibit the structure and biomechanics of normal native elastic tissues in the body. In diseased tissues, the chronic overexpression of proteolytic enzymes can cause significant matrix degradation, to further limit the accumulation and quality (e.g., fiber formation) of newly deposited elastic matrix. This review provides an overview of the role and importance of elastin and elastic matrix in soft tissues, the challenges to elastic matrix generation in vitro and to regenerative elastic matrix repair in vivo, current biomolecular strategies to enhance elastin deposition and matrix assembly, and the need to concurrently inhibit proteolytic matrix disruption for improving the quantity and quality of elastogenesis. The review further presents biomaterial-based options using scaffolds and nanocarriers for spatio-temporal control over the presentation and release of these biomolecules, to enable biomimetic assembly of clinically relevant native elastic matrix-like superstructures. Finally, this review provides an overview of recent advances and prospects for the application of these strategies to regenerating tissue-type specific elastic matrix structures and superstructures.

Intra-articular microparticles for drug delivery to the TMJ

This study describes the in vivo biocompatibility of intra-articular poly(DL-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microparticle (MP) formulations in the rat temporomandibular joint (TMJ). To our knowledge, this is the first intra-articular microparticle-based drug delivery system for the TMJ. The impact of PLGA MP concentration on rat TMJ function was quantified via computerized meal pattern analysis; in this non-invasive technique, previously validated markers of TMJ pain or nociception (specifically, meal duration and food intake) were recorded by computer-monitored pellet feeders. Bilateral intra-articular injection of 15, 30, or 50 mg/mL PLGA MPs had no impact on meal duration or food intake over 6 days, compared with controls that did not receive injections. Histological analysis showed that the MPs were retained within the synovial lining. These findings indicate that the PLGA MPs described herein are biocompatible and suitable for intra-articular delivery to the rat TMJ, a finding that has significant implications for the improvement of TMJ therapeutics.

Fabrication and characterization of porous hyaluronic acid-collagen composite scaffolds

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays a vital role in many tissues, influencing water content and mechanical function, and has been shown to have positive biological effects on cell behavior in vitro. To begin to determine whether these benefits can be accessed if HA is incorporated into collagen-based scaffolds for tissue engineering, HA-collagen composite matrices were prepared and selected properties evaluated. HA-collagen scaffolds were cross-linked with carbodiimide and loss rates of HA in culture medium assessed. Scaffold pore structures were evaluated by light and electron microscopy. Adult canine chondrocytes were grown in selected HA-collagen scaffolds to assess the effects of HA on cell behavior. Homogenous HA-collagen slurries were achieved when polyionic complexes were suppressed. HA was uniformly distributed through the scaffolds, which demonstrated honeycomb-like pores with interconnectivity among pores increasing as HA content increased. Virtually all of the HA added to the collagen slurry was incorporated into the composite scaffolds that underwent a 7-day cross-linking protocol. After 5 days in culture medium, the HA content in the scaffolds was 5-7% regardless of initial HA loading. After only 2 weeks in culture cartilaginous tissue was found in the chondrocyte-seeded HA-collagen scaffolds. This study contributes to the understanding of the effects of HA content, pH, and cross-link treatment on pore characteristics and degradation behavior essential for the design of HA-collagen scaffolds. The demonstration that these scaffolds can be populated by chondrocytes and support in vitro formation of cartilaginous tissue warrants further investigation of this material system for tissue engineering.

Incorporation of hyaluronic acid into collagen scaffolds for the control of chondrocyte-mediated contraction and chondrogenesis

Hyaluronic acid (HA), a principal matrix molecule in many tissues, is present in high amounts in articular cartilage. HA contributes in unique ways to the physical behavior of the tissue, and has been shown to have beneficial effects on chondrocyte activity. The goal of this study was to incorporate graduated amounts of HA into type I collagen scaffolds for the control of chondrocyte-mediated contraction and chondrogenesis in vitro. The results demonstrated that the amount of contraction of HA/collagen scaffolds by adult canine articular chondrocytes increased with the HA content of the scaffolds. The greatest amount of chondrogenesis after two weeks was found in the scaffolds which had undergone the most contraction. HA can play a useful role in adjusting the mechanical behavior of tissue engineering scaffolds and chondrogenesis in chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds.

Fabrication of drug-loaded biodegradable microcapsules for controlled release by combination of solvent evaporation and layer-by-layer self-assembly

The initial burst release of drug from polymer microparticles remains an unsolved problem. Here, we deposited polysaccharides on drug-loaded microspheres using layer-by-layer self-assembly to produce core-shell microparticles for sustained drug release. The ibuprofen (IBU)-loaded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) microparticles were fabricated by conventional solvent evaporation. The processing parameters, such as pH of water phase, drug/polymer ratio, polymer type, and emulsifier concentration, were optimized according to the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading as pH 4.0, drug/polymer ratio=10/50 (wt), HV in PHBV=6wt.%, and PVA concentration=1% (w/v). The multilayer shells of chitosan (CHI)/sodium alginate (ALG) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PD)/sodium poly(styrenesulfonate) (PSS) were formed on the IBU-loaded PHBV microparticles using layer-by-layer self-assembly. The in vitro release experiments revealed that, as for the microparticles with three CHI/ALG bilayer shells, the initial burst release of IBU from the microparticles was significantly suppressed and the half release time was prolonged to 62h from 1h for the microparticles without coverage. The compact CHI/ALG multilayer film was observed with an atomic force microscopy (AFM) due to the matched distance of charges along the CHI chain and those along the ALG chains. The present combination for encapsulating drug-loaded microparticles demonstrates an effective way to prolong the drug release with reduced initial burst.

Paclitaxel distribution in poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(lactide-co-glycolic acid) blends and its release visualized by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering microscopy

Mechanisms underlying the release of paclitaxel (PTX) from poly(ethylene glycol)/poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PEG/PLGA) blends were investigated by coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy. PLGA, PEG, and PTX were selectively imaged by using the resonant CARS signal from the CH3, CH2, and aromatic CH stretch vibrations, respectively. Phase segregation was observed in PLGA films containing 10 to 40 wt.% PEG in the absence of PTX loading. The PEG phase existed in the form of crystalline fibers in the (8:2, weight ratio) and (7:3) PLGA/PEG films. CARS observation indicated that PTX preferentially partitioned into the PEG domains in the (9:1) and (8:2) PLGA/PTX films, but exhibited a uniform mixing with both PLGA and PEG in the (7:3) PLGA/PEG film. The solid dispersion of PTX into PEG domains was attributed to a strong interaction between PTX and PEG, supported by the disappearance of PEG crystallization in the PTX-loaded PLGA/PEG film evidenced through X-ray diffraction analysis. PTX release was induced by exposing the film to an aqueous solution and monitored in real time by CARS and two-photon fluorescence microscopy. Fast dissolution of both PEG and PTX was observed at the film surface. Upon infiltration of water into the film, the PEG domains were rearranged into ring structures enriched by both PTX and PEG. The CARS data provided visual evidence explaining the accelerated burst release followed by more sustained release of PTX from the PLGA/PEG films as measured by HPLC.

Review. Hyaluronan: a powerful tissue engineering tool

Hyaluronan (HA) is a versatile molecular tool with considerable potential for tissue engineering applications. The inclusion of HA has created biocompatible biomaterials and engineered tissues that can be crosslinked or degraded controllably and can facilitate angiogenesis, osteointegration, and cell phenotype preservation. The utility of HA in tissue engineering has been broadened further by the recently identified HA synthases, which can be manipulated to stimulate the endogenous production of HA by cells seeded within biomaterial scaffolds. Overall, HA shows great promise in the development of engineered tissues and biomaterials for a variety of biomedical needs including orthopedic, cardiovascular, pharmacologic, and oncologic applications.

Preparation of Polymeric Submicron Particle-Containing Microparticles Using a 4-Fluid Nozzle Spray Drier

PURPOSE

We studied a novel method for preparing polymeric submicron particle-containing microparticles using a 4-fluid nozzle spray drier.

METHOD

Ethylcellulose (EC) and poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), either alone or in combination with polyethylenimine (PEI), were used as polymers to produce submicron particles, and mannitol (MAN) was used as a water-soluble carrier for the microparticles. The polymer and MAN solutions were supplied through different liquid passages of a 4-fluid nozzle and then dried to obtain MAN microparticles containing EC or PLGA submicron particles. The polymer/MAN ratio was controlled by changing the concentration of the polymer and MAN solutions. EC or PLGA microparticles were observed via scanning electron microscopy, and the size of microparticles was determined by image analysis. The particle size distribution of EC or PLGA submicron particles was measured with a super dynamic light scattering spectrophotometer.

RESULTS

The method generated submicron-sized (<1 microm) particles of EC and PLGA. The mean diameters of EC and PLGA particles at a polymer/MAN ratio of 1:10 were 631 and 490 nm, respectively. The mean diameter of PLGA particles decreased as the PLGA/MAN ratio was reduced, reaching approximately 200 nm at a PLGA/MAN ratio of 1:100. The mean diameter of PLGA/PEI particles at PLGA/PEI/MAN ratios of 1:0.5:10 and 1:0.5:100 were 525 and 223 nm, respectively, and their zeta potentials were +50.8 and +58.2 mV, respectively. The size of EC submicron particles could be controlled by varying the spray conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that it is possible to prepare polymeric submicron particles dispersed in MAN microparticles in a single process using the 4-fluid nozzle spray drying method. Cationic PLGA particles with a diameter of approximately 200 nm could be prepared by adding PEI, suggesting the possibility of its use as a carrier for delivering DNA into cells. The precipitation of EC may occur by the mutual dispersion and mixing of solvents after collision of EC and MAN mists by antisolvent effect, thereby producing MAN microparticles containing EC submicron particles.

Local controlled drug delivery to the brain: mathematical modeling of the underlying mass transport mechanisms

The mass transport mechanisms involved in the controlled delivery of drugs to living brain tissue are complex and yet not fully understood. Often the drug is embedded within a polymeric or lipidic matrix, which is directly administered into the brain tissue, that is, intracranially. Different types of systems, including microparticles and disc- or rod-shaped implants are used to control the release rate and, thus, to optimize the drug concentrations at the site of action in the brain over prolonged periods of time. Most of these dosage forms are biodegradable to avoid the need for the removal of empty remnants after drug exhaustion. Various physical and chemical processes are involved in the control of drug release from these systems, including water penetration, drug dissolution, degradation of the matrix and drug diffusion. Once the drug has been released from the delivery system, it has to be transported through the living brain tissue to the target site(s). Again, a variety of phenomena, including diffusion, drug metabolism and degradation, passive or active uptake into CNS tissue and convection can be of importance for the fate of the drug. An overview is given of the current knowledge of the nature of barriers to free access of drug to tumour sites within the brain and the state of the art of: (i) mathematical modeling approaches describing the physical transport processes and chemical reactions which can occur in different types of intracranially administered drug delivery systems, and of (ii) theories quantifying the mass transport phenomena occurring after drug release in the living tissue. Both, simplified as well as complex mathematical models are presented and their major advantages and shortcomings discussed. Interestingly, there is a significant lack of mechanistically realistic, comprehensive theories describing both parts in detail, namely, drug transport in the dosage form and in the living brain tissue. High quality experimental data on drug concentrations in the brain tissue are difficult to obtain, hence this is itself an issue in testing mathematical approaches. As a future perspective, the potential benefits and limitations of these mathematical theories aiming to facilitate the design of advanced intracranial drug delivery systems and to improve the efficiency of the respective pharmacotherapies are discussed.