Metal Nanoparticles for Controlled Release of Drugs and Bioactive Compounds
A special issue of Pharmaceutics (ISSN 1999-4923). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanomedicine and Nanotechnology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2026 | Viewed by 7
Special Issue Editors
Interests: metallic nanoparticles; metal oxides; biopolymers and hybrid materials; drug delivery systems; electrospun nanofibers; nanoparticle–cell interactions; nanoemulsions and microparticles; sustainable nanocomposites; in silico drug release modeling; magnetic nanoparticles for biomedicine; encapsulation of bioactives
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: nanoparticle synthesis; green synthesis routes; metal and metal oxide nanostructures; plasmonic nanoparticles; hierarchical superstructures; microemulsions and colloidal systems; surface functionalization; SERS substrates and plasmonic sensing; controlled and sustained drug release; bioactive compound delivery; nanocarriers for cancer therapy; gene delivery nanosystems; electrochemical biosensors; preclinical nanomedicine applications; theranostics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: pharmaceutical formulation; delivery and controlled-release systems for drugs, vaccines, and biopharmaceuticals; pharmaceutical process, engineering, biotechnology, and nanotechnology; devices, cells, molecular biology, and materials science related to drugs and drug delivery; nanomedicine; drug targeting; effects of the body on drugs (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion); physiological and biochemical effects of drugs on the body; systematic reviews
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Metal nanoparticles are a global focus in nanomedicine, offering the precise control of size and shape, high surface area, biomolecule functionalization, and plasmonic properties that enable tunable biodistribution, controlled release, and theragnostic functions. Green synthesis broadens their appeal, while advanced techniques like SERS enable real-time monitoring of active compound release. The Special Issue is motivated by the rapid global expansion of research on metal nanoparticles as versatile platforms for the controlled delivery of drugs and bioactive compounds. Its main aim is to consolidate mechanistic knowledge connecting nanoparticle intrinsic properties—size, shape, composition, and surface chemistry—to drug loading, release kinetics, and biological fate.
The following areas will be covered by the Special Issue:
- Synthesis and physico-chemical characterization of metal nanoparticles, including green routes with plant extracts and biosynthesis.
- Quantitative release kinetics and modelling (Weibull, Korsmeyer-Peppas, mechanistic transport models).
- In vitro simulation of physiological environments (gastric pH, intestinal pH, pH 7.4, enzymatic conditions).
- Advanced analytical approaches (SERS, plasmonic sensing, real-time label-free monitoring).
- Correlation of nanoparticle design with biodistribution, safety and PK/PD in preclinical models.
- Studies on delivery of conventional drugs, natural extracts, biomolecules, gene delivery.
- Surface engineering and targeting strategies that modulate release.
We invite original research articles and comprehensive reviews that provide quantitative release data, validated kinetic modelling, mechanistic insights, or novel analytical tools. Systematic reviews addressing clear questions in areas covered in this Special Issue are welcome. Submissions should prioritize clear linkage between nanoparticle properties and release behaviour, include appropriate controls and reproducible methods, and discuss translational considerations such as safety, standardization, and regulatory aspects.
Dr. Perla Elvia García-Casillas
Dr. Margarita Sanchez-Dominguez
Dr. Christian Chapa
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
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Keywords
- gold nanoparticles
- metal nanoparticles
- drug delivery systems
- controlled release
- pharmacokinetics
- Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS)
- green synthesis
- preclinical studies
- release kinetics
- theragnostics
- gene delivery
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