Polymer-Based Micro- and Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery and Targeting

Dear Colleagues, 

Over the last fifty years, the development of biodegradable polymeric materials for pharmaceutical applications has advanced significantly. In the same way, the development of drug delivery systems based on natural and synthetic polymers exhibits exponential growth in pharmaceutical and biomedical fields.

Thanks to the tunable properties of polymeric biomaterials, carriers with different structure, size, shape, and surface charge can be obtained. Therefore, different kinds of micro- and nanosystems can be produced from polymeric materials using a wide variety of fabrication techniques. Micelles, dendrimers, micro- and nanoparticles, hydrogels, and nanogels are some of the most typical examples.  Polymers play a crucial role in modulating the delivery of active agents, providing a controlled release by means of different mechanisms. The pharmaceutical application of polymeric carriers is becoming increasingly crucial in diagnostics as well as in prophylaxis (vaccines) and therapy for various pathological conditions. Research efforts should progress and shed light on a robust understanding of polymer product interactions with biological systems. Based on the current and continuing relevance of this category of drug delivery systems, and looking ahead, this Special Issue will give readers a concise overview of the recent innovative design and application of controlled-release polymeric drug delivery systems. Topics including detailed physico-chemical and technological characterization of innovative polymeric systems and in vitro/in vivo correlations are warmly welcomed.                                                                         

Dr. Angela Bonaccorso
Prof. Dr. Rosario Pignatello
Guest Editors

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