Nanomaterials and Polymers in Controlled Drug Delivery

Dear Colleagues,

A nanomaterial may demonstrate different behaviours when compared to the same substance in bulk form—meaning, a material could change when it goes from bulk to the nanoscale. This transformation could be revolutionary. Indeed, nanotechnology has, thus far, made it possible for us to create novel materials that we could never formulate before via taking advantage of the physico-chemicomechanical and cellular–biological (size and surface, amongst other parameters) effects. This has opened the door wide, enhancing our ability to deliver drugs in novel ways, for example, to treat critical conditions.

Nanomedicine and nanodentistry, herein, is the application of nanotechnology to the field of medicine and dentistry, respectively, through the use of nanomaterials. The most common application involves employing nanoparticles and nanocapsules to enhance the action of encapsulant cells, proteins, genes, antibodies, and drugs in the treatment of cancer, diabetes, skin, bone, teeth, and the supporting tissues/structures to our jaws and dentition, to list a few. Current applications tend to re-enforce controlled drug delivery for disease diagnosis, monitoring, prevention, management, and therapy, via targeting and precision or personalized approaches and strategies. Hence, the incorporation of nanomaterials, biopolymers, and newly discovered technologies to benefit human life and achieve what was once thought to be unachievable is the goal of every researcher, scientist, and innovator.

For controlled drug delivery, in particular, numerous nanomaterial and biopolymer characteristics of a delivery system are to be considered, including (but not limited to) dosage form, administration route, side effects, drug-loading capacity, drug encapsulation efficiency, dose–response, pharmacokinetics, biodistribution and fate, and patient compliance. Polymeric materials can be incorporated to better control the variables presented in a nano-scaled drug delivery system so that the drug, especially if poorly soluble, can be safer and more effective/efficacious. This Special Issue will discuss the innovative nanomaterials and biopolymers being designed, synthesized, incorporated, and used in formulating novel drug delivery systems for application in nanomedicine and nanodentistry, including cell/gene therapy, tissue engineering, and regeneration indications. Articles are invited to discuss the different types of nanomaterials and biopolymers used, their preparation methods, safety and efficacy analysis, and potential translation from benchtop to bed-/chair-side. Contributions discussing different characterization methodologies and/or strategies as well as any arising challenges/hurdles are also welcome.

Prof. Dr. Ziyad S. Haidar
Dr. Prabir Patra
Topic Editors