5 - Self-assembling in natural, synthetic, and hybrid materials with applications in controlled drug delivery

Abstract

Despite its simplicity, the concept of self-assembling generates a huge diversity of new materials and systems, proving unlimited possibilities to create or improve existing biomedical applications. Using natural or synthetic building blocks, the scientists are continuously creating new structures with desired properties. Multi-functionality of carriers used in preparation of new drug delivery systems seems to become a standard requirement and not an opinion. This chapter presents examples of the possible applications of self-assembled natural and synthetic polymers or their combinations with lipids or inorganic materials. Stimuli-responsive materials and new techniques of preparation (i.e. layer-by-layer) of hybrid materials used in nanomedicine and theranostics are also discussed. Considering the huge amount of publications and the wide range of applications, only a few will be discussed and should be considered a source of inspiration for scientists and formulators who explore the concept of self-assembling for the benefit of pharmaceutical products based on controlled drug delivery systems.