Functional Polymers Applied to Bioactive Delivery Systems

Dear Colleagues,

Polymers are widely used to develop bioactive delivery systems such as particles (nano and microspheres, nano and microcapsules), gels (nano and microgels), micelles, etc. Such delivery systems have been used in medical-pharmaceutical, foods, and cosmetic applications. In medical-pharmaceutical applications, delivery systems may have advantages such as reduced dose frequency, dosage reduction concerning conventional dosage form, specific target, reduction in side effects, etc. In food applications, they can be used as active packaging systems to extend shelf life or improve safety by maintaining the quality of packaged food through delivery; for example, bioactive antioxidant or antimicrobial agents on the surface of the food. In cosmetics, delivery systems can enhance bioactive penetration into the skin layers. However, most conventional polymers do not reach these advantages in bioactive delivery systems. In this sense, it is possible to make chemical modifications to the polymers, making them functional polymers. The functionalization of the polymers confers many properties such as stealth characteristics, environmental stimuli response, reduces toxicity, bioadhesiveness, and provides site-specific delivery (targeting). In this Special Issue, articles will be published on the most recent scientific advances in applying functional polymers in bioactive delivery systems.

Prof. Dr. Classius Ferreira Da Silva
Prof. Dr. Cristiana Maria Pedroso Yoshida
Prof. Dr. Anna Cecilia Venturini
Prof. Dr. Patrícia Severino
Guest Editors

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