A Brief Review on Polymeric Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery and Targeting

Abstract

For the past few decades, there has been a considerable research interest in the area of drug delivery using particulate delivery systems as carriers for small and large molecules. Various polymers have been used in the formulation of nanoparticles for drug delivery research to increase therapeutic benefit, while minimizing side effects. . Polymeric nanoparticles with a size in the nanometer range protect drugs against in vitro and in vivo degradation; it releases the drug in a controlled manner and also offers the possibility of drug targeting. The use of polymeric drug nanoparticles is a universal approach to increase the therapeutic performance of poorly soluble drugs in any route of administration. Here, we review various aspects of nanoparticles formulation, characterization, effect of their characteristics and their applications in delivery of drug molecules and therapeutic uses.