Abstract
In this chapter preparation techniques for nanoparticles (NPs) and polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) are discussed; the applications, characteristics, and advantages of NPs and PNP drug carriers are explained; and PNPs for cancer therapy are considered. Most commonly used biodegradable polymers are extremely hydrophobic. If the drug of interest is very hydrophilic, it can be challenging to encapsulate it in a hydrophobic polymer matrix. The capability of NPs and PNPs to encapsulate various drugs stems from their unique properties, one of which is multivalent surface modification with targeting ligands. These advantages make NPs and PNPs potentially superior to conventional cancer therapies as a mode of treatment. NPs have the ability to encapsulate therapeutic agents and release them in a controlled manner to specifically target diseased cells. NP encapsulation also improves the solubility of unmodified drug compounds. Surface modification using polyethylene glycol protects NPs from being cleared from the blood by the mononuclear phagocyte system, markedly increasing both circulation times and drug uptake by target cells.
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