Chapter 11

Polymeric Nanocapsules

Mihaela Holban, Delia Iurea (Raţă) and Marcel Popa

Abstract

Polymer nanocapsules are widely used in the biomedical field, especially as carriers for controlled drug delivery. The main preparation methods are described in the paper (nanoprecipitation, emulsion-diffusion, double emulsification, emulsion-coacervation, polymer-coating, layer-by-layer and interfacial polycondensation), emphasizing the role of different parameters on drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release profiles. Mechanisms of drug loading and releasing are also shortly discussed. The paper ends with the presentation of the major biomedical applications (drug delivery and diagnosis) of polymer nanocapsules, the discussion being directed toward several routes of drug administration.

Total Pages: 412-449 (38)

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