What are polymeric nanoparticles in drug delivery?

What are polymeric nanoparticles in drug delivery?

Polymeric nanoparticles stand out as a key tool to improve drug bioavailability or specific delivery at the site of action. The versatility of polymers makes them potentially ideal for fulfilling the requirements of each particular drug-delivery system.

How are nanoparticles used in drugs?

Through the manipulation of size, surface characteristics and material used, the nanoparticles can be developed into smart systems, encasing therapeutic and imaging agents as well as bearing stealth property. Further, these systems can deliver drug to specific tissues and provide controlled release therapy.

How do polymeric nanoparticles work?

Polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) are particles within the size range from 1 to 1000 nm and can be loaded with active compounds entrapped within or surface-adsorbed onto the polymeric core. The term “nanoparticle” stands for both nanocapsules and nanospheres, which are distinguished by the morphological structure.

What is the main advantage of polymer in polymeric nanoparticle?

Most important advantages offered by the polymeric nanoparticles include the following: (1) provide controlled release to the desired site, (2) provide stability to labile molecules (e.g., proteins), and (3) provide ability to modify surfaces with ligands for stealth and targeted drug delivery purposes [30].

Why are polymers used for drug delivery?

Polymers have played an integral role in the advancement of drug delivery technology by providing controlled release of therapeutic agents in constant doses over long periods, cyclic dosage, and tunable release of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs.

What drugs have lipid nanoparticles?

For example, the earliest approved liposomal drug was Doxil, a lipid nanoparticle formulation of the antitumor agent doxorubicin, which is used to treat ovarian cancer. (6) Another liposomal drug, Epaxal, is a lipid nanoparticle formulation of a protein antigen used as a hepatitis vaccine.

What are polymeric micelles?

Polymeric micelles are nanoscopic core/shell structures formed by amphiphilic block copolymers. Both the inherent and modifiable properties of polymeric micelles make them particularly well suited for drug delivery purposes. Relevant properties discussed include micellar association, morphology, size and stability.

Which hydrophobic polymer is used in nanoparticle?

The various biodegradable polymers commonly used in the fabrication of polymeric nanoparticles include poly(lactide) (PLA), poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers, poly (ɛ-caprolactone) (PCL), and poly(amino acids) and also some natural polymers like alginate, chitosan, gelatin, and albumin [211].

What is polymeric nanoparticles in drugs?

Polymer Nanoparticles. Polymeric nanoparticles (PNP) are defined as sub-micron (1 to 1000nm) colloidal particles comprising active pharmaceutical ingredients encapsulated within or adsorbed to macromolecular substances (polymer) [46].

What are the applications of polymeric nanomaterials?

Drug delivery is known to be one of the most important biomedical applications of polymeric nanomaterials. Polymeric nanoparticles have been tested to deliver wide range of drugs, such as small hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs, vaccines, peptides, and biological macromolecules, via several routes of administration [28].

Can polymeric nanoparticles remove toxic heavy metals?

Polymeric NPs have been used to remove toxic heavy metals. Multilayered NPs, functionalized inorganic or organic polymeric materials, coatings and hydrogels have revealed their potential for environmental and communal health applications.

Can polymeric nanoparticles deliver drugs through hair follicles?

Polymeric nanoparticles have immense potential as drug carriers as they can deliver drugs in various organ systems [253]. In TDDS, they have reported to take transappendageal route only through hair follicles [254–256].