Polymeric and Lipid Based Nanocarriers
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a huge global health problem, and the shortcomings of conventional treatment methods, including the non-specific distribution of drugs in the body, toxicity, and inefficiency, have resulted in an innovative way of drug delivery. Nanoparticle-based delivery of drugs has been identified as one of the efficient ways to target cancer because it helps enhance the solubility, pharmacodynamics, and bioavailability of drugs. Among the several available systems for cancer therapy, polymer and lipid-based carriers have received much interest due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. This chapter focuses on different nanocarriers, including polymer and lipid-based carriers, and discusses their designs and physicochemical properties. Some of the carriers discussed include polymer nanoparticles, polymer micelles, dendrimers, liposomes, solid lipid nanoparticles, nanostructured lipid carriers, and hybrid nanoparticles. Passive and active targeting of tumors, drug release, and ways of overcoming multidrug resistance are described in the chapter as well. Recent achievements in stimuli-responsive, multifunctional, and theranostic nanocarriers, preclinical and clinical successes, regulatory issues, manufacturing problems, and safety aspects are considered. The last section of the chapter deals with recent trends in research and possibilities of future clinical application of polymeric and lipidic nanocarriers for cancer treatment.
Author Affiliations
- 1 Department of Pharmaceutics, R. G. Sapkal College of Pharmacy, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India - 422213.
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, R. G. Sapkal College of Pharmacy, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Nashik, Maharashtra, India - 422213.