Progress and Prospect of Nanocarriers: Design, Concept, and Recent Advances

Progress and Prospect of Nanocarriers: Design, Concept, and Recent Advances explores the development of nanocarriers for biomedical applications, highlighting their potential for enhanced drug delivery, targeted therapy, and disease management. Various effective nanocarriers, such as polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes, are discussed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 364 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2024
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Progress and Prospect of Nanocarriers: Design, Concept, and Recent Advances delves into the diverse array of nanocarriers currently being developed for specific applications in biomedical drug delivery, disease management, diagnosis, and therapy. Nanosized drug delivery systems have garnered immense clinical interest owing to their remarkable ability to achieve efficient bio-distribution, enhanced pharmacokinetic properties, and precise selective targeting, leading to substantial therapeutic potential, minimal side effects, and the development of cost-effective drug delivery systems. A multitude of effective nanocarriers have emerged, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes. This comprehensive book serves as a valuable resource for scientists, students, and professionals in the fields of drug delivery, biomaterials, nanomedicine, as well as scientists and engineers in industrial domains related to drug delivery and drug formulation.

Nanocarriers, defined as tiny vehicles designed to transport drugs or other molecules, have emerged as promising tools in medicine. Their unique properties, such as small size, high surface area, and ability to modify drug properties, make them ideal for targeted drug delivery and improved therapeutic outcomes. In this essay, we will explore the progress and prospects of nanocarriers in drug delivery, focusing on their design, concept, and recent advances.

One of the key advantages of nanocarriers is their ability to enhance drug bioavailability. By targeting specific cells or tissues, nanocarriers can increase the concentration of drugs at the site of action, leading to improved therapeutic efficacy. For example, nanocarriers can be used to deliver drugs directly to cancer cells, minimizing drug exposure to healthy tissues and reducing side effects.

Another advantage of nanocarriers is their ability to target specific diseases. Nanocarriers can be designed to target specific receptors or proteins on the surface of cells, making them highly selective and effective in treating diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, and HIV/AIDS. For instance, nanocarriers can be loaded with drugs that specifically bind to cancer cells, allowing for targeted chemotherapy and reduced side effects.

In addition to their therapeutic applications, nanocarriers have potential applications in drug discovery and development. Nanocarriers can be used as tools to study drug interactions and pharmacokinetics, allowing researchers to better understand drug behavior and develop more effective drugs. They can also be used to deliver drugs to hard-to-reach tissues, such as the brain, making drug delivery more efficient and effective.

Despite their many advantages, nanocarriers also face several challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the safety of nanocarriers. Since nanocarriers are relatively new, there is limited information available on their long-term effects and safety profiles. Additionally, nanocarriers can be toxic to cells and tissues, particularly if they are not properly designed or synthesized.

Another challenge is the scalability of nanocarrier production. The production of nanocarriers requires specialized equipment and techniques, which can be expensive and difficult to access. This can limit the availability of nanocarriers to developing countries and low-income populations, who may benefit the most from their therapeutic applications.

Despite these challenges, there have been significant advances in the development of nanocarriers in recent years. Researchers have developed a wide range of nanocarriers, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, microspheres, dendrimers, and carbon nanotubes. These nanocarriers have been used in a variety of applications, including drug delivery, gene therapy, and imaging.

In conclusion, nanocarriers have the potential to revolutionize drug delivery and therapy. Their unique properties and ability to target specific cells or tissues make them highly effective in treating diseases and improving therapeutic outcomes. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as safety and scalability. With continued research and development, nanocarriers will likely become an important tool in medicine in the future.

Weight: 450g
Dimension: 235 x 191 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780128199794