Springer Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery (Gels Horizons: From Science to Smart Materials)

This book introduces the reader to drug delivery with specific emphasis on the use of nanoparticles. It covers properties, characterization, and preparation of different types of nanoparticles and discusses recent advances in their structural design and biomedical application, as well as the issues and challenges associated with their design and use. Some of the topics covered include the potential application of nanoparticles in biomedical fields, hazards associated with use of nanoparticles for drug delivery, size-dependent factors in drug delivery applications, different organic, inorganic and their hybrid systems used in drug delivery, etc. It also highlights use of nanoparticles in controlled and targeted drug delivery, and their application in stimuli-responsive, especially pH-responsive, drug release. Additionally, it also focuses on biomimetic nanoparticles, challenges faced in the designing of nanoparticles for drug delivery in cancer, viral and bacterial diseases. The contents of this volume will be useful to researchers and professionals working on advances in targeted drug delivery systems. From the Back Cover This book introduces the reader to drug delivery with specific emphasis on the use of nanoparticles. It covers properties, characterization, and preparation of different types of nanoparticles and discusses recent advances in their structural design and biomedical application, as well as the issues and challenges associated with their design and use. Some of the topics covered include the potential application of nanoparticles in biomedical fields, hazards associated with use of nanoparticles for drug delivery, size-dependent factors in drug delivery applications, different organic, inorganic and their hybrid systems used in drug delivery, etc. It also highlights use of nanoparticles in controlled and targeted drug delivery, and their application in stimuli-responsive, especially pH-responsive, drug release. Additionally, it also focuses on biomimetic nanoparticles, challenges faced in the designing of nanoparticles for drug delivery in cancer, viral and bacterial diseases. The contents of this volume will be useful to researchers and professionals working on advances in targeted drug delivery systems. About the Author K. S. Joshy is a post-doctoral researcher at the International and Inter University Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. His research interests include synthesis and charecterization of nanoparticles with application for drug delivery. He has authored 10 research articles in high-impact journals, 1 book chapter and has been a co-editor on 1 book.   Sabu Thomas is currently Professor and Pro-Vice Chancellor in Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India, in addition to being the founder director of the International and Inter University Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. After his B.Tech in polymer science and rubber technology from University of Cochin, he went on to do his PhD from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Prof Thomas is the Chief Editor of Nano-Structures & Nano-Objects and has received many national and international awards, including Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry, MRSI award, SESR award, the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award for Scientific Excellence, an honorary degree by Université de Lorraine, and multiple fellowships by prestigious societies and universities. Prof Thomas' research has spanned many areas of nanocomposite and polymer science and engineering, and he has edited more than 70 books, holds 5 patents and has authored over 750  research publications.   Dr Vijay Kumar Thakur is currently a faculty member in the School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing at Cranfield University. Prior to this, Dr. Thakur worked as a Staff Scientist in the School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University, U.S.. Some of his othe