Nanoparticles for drug delivery

Abstract

Drug delivery systems (DDS) focus on the regulation of in vivo dynamics such as absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion, in order to improve the effectiveness and safety of the incorporated drugs by use of novel drug formulation technologies. Novel nanoparticle DDS were devised to address some of the challenges of conventional DDS. This book chapter will highlight current nanoparticle drug delivery technologies such as lipid-based nanoparticles, polymer-based nanoparticles, liquid crystal DDS, hybrid matrix nanoparticles, functionalized nanoparticles, self-assembly systems, metalbased nanoparticles, etc. Their current applications, major challenges, biological issues such as in vivo dynamics and intracellular trafficking in addition to market issues will be discussed.