Teng Shen LabSchool of Pharmacy, Fudan University
中文

School of Pharmacy, Fudan University Research

Drug delivery research platforms

We study how drugs interact with delivery barriers and design experiments that connect dosage-form choices to measured performance.

Conceptual illustration of dissolving microneedles on a patch backing
01 / Skin deliveryConceptual illustration

Research platform 01

Dissolving microneedles & payload delivery

We compare how fabrication, payload placement, and dissolution in skin affect delivery. Published studies span insulin, recombinant hirudin, mRNA lipid nanoparticles, and tacrolimus nanocrystals.

Research methods

  • Microneedle fabrication and freeze-drying
  • Mechanical and insertion testing
  • Payload stability and release
  • Intradermal delivery and preclinical evaluation

Selected evidence

The freeze-drying method for dissolving microneedle patches was granted Chinese invention patent ZL 2022 1 0830673.4. The mRNA patch study appeared in Journal of Controlled Release.

Related papers

Conceptual cross-section of a reservoir patch, membrane, and skin layers
02 / Topical formulationsConceptual illustration

Research platform 02

Transdermal patches & topical evaluation

We use matrix rheology, in vitro permeation testing (IVPT), and skin retention to compare formulations. Past work examined human patch pharmacokinetics and in vitro–in vivo correlation. Sampling skin interstitial fluid with hydrogel microneedles is an exploratory approach to measuring local exposure.

Research methods

  • Reservoir patch and cataplasm design
  • Matrix rheology and viscoelasticity
  • IVPT and skin retention
  • In vitro–in vivo correlation (IVIVC)

Selected evidence

A tetramethylpyrazine phosphate patch received historical clinical research authorization (2003L01845). Related work on a tetramethylpyrazine patch reported comparative pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers.

Related papers

Conceptual illustration of lipid carriers and an intestinal lymphatic route
03 / Oral formulationsConceptual illustration

Research platform 03

Oral absorption & intestinal lymphatic transport

Mesenteric lymph duct cannulation in animal models helps investigate absorption routes for lipophilic drugs. Plasma quantitation and pharmacokinetics help interpret formulation effects. The group also studies oral absorption enhancement for biologics and sustained-release dosage forms.

Research methods

  • Lipid formulations and absorption enhancement
  • Mesenteric lymphatic transport models
  • LC–MS/MS bioanalysis
  • Oral sustained-release formulation

Selected evidence

A paclitaxel study examined lymphatic transport under lipid vehicle and P-glycoprotein inhibition conditions. Sustained-release aspirin tablets received historical clinical trial authorization (2010L00652).

Related papers

Evaluation

Evaluating formulation and exposure

We select measurements for the route and research stage. The platforms share an approach that combines formulation characterization, in vitro delivery tests, and pharmacokinetic analysis.

  1. 01

    Design the dosage form

    Define payload, target site, and release requirements to select needle materials, patch structure, or an oral carrier.

  2. 02

    Measure performance

    Compare candidates using mechanics, rheology, permeation flux, or payload stability.

  3. 03

    Interpret exposure

    Use skin retention, plasma quantitation, lymphatic transport, or pharmacokinetics to test the delivery hypothesis.

Join & collaborate

Join the lab or work with us

Contact the lab if you are interested in studying drug delivery or have a formulation question for a joint project.

01

Join

Explore master’s and undergraduate research inquiries. Tell us which paper interests you and what you would like to investigate.

 02

Collaborate

Discuss dosage-form selection, prototype development, or in vitro and in vivo evaluation with the group.