Nanoscale Materials for Targeted Delivery: New Perspectives in the Fields

Dear Colleagues,

Biopolymeric nanoscale materials are mainly developed for drug delivery applications as an alternative to liposome technology, in order to overcome the problems related to the stability or toxicity of these drugs in biological systems. Recently, novel approaches in nanoparticle technology have been introduced producing an improvement in the efficacy and in vivo stability of many drugs. The nanoparticles offer a lot of advantages, including drug targeting by modified body distribution as well as the enhancement of cellular uptake reducing the toxic side effects of the free drugs. They can be prepared from a variety of materials such as protein, polysaccharides, and synthetic polymers. The choice of materials depends on several factors including: (i) size and morphology; (ii) surface charge and permeability; (iii) degree of biodegradability, biocompatibility, and cytotoxicity; (iv) drug loading and desired release profile. Polymeric nanoparticles hold significant promise as potential drug carriers for treating diseases and disorders due to their attractive physiochemical properties such as size, surface potential, and hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance. The current Special Issue will be focused on the use of various forms of natural and synthetic polymers and copolymers for the controlled release of drugs, thereby reducing unwanted side effects and improving therapy.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Nanomaterials;
• Nanoparticles;
• Targeted delivery;
• Drugs;
• Drug delivery;
• Polymeric nanoparticles;
• Natural polymers;
• Synthetic polymers;
• Nanoparticles synthesis.

Dr. Cleofe Palocci
Guest Editor

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• nanomaterials
• targeted delivery
• drugs
• nanoparticles