The concept of smart drug delivery vehicles involves designing and preparing a nanostructure (or microstructure) that can be loaded with a cargo, this can be a therapeutic drug, a contrast agent for imaging, or a nucleic acid for gene therapy. The nanocarrier serves to protect the cargo from degradation by enzymes in the body, to enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs, to extend the circulation half-life, and to enhance its penetration and accumulation at the target site. Importantly, smart nanocarriers can be designed to be responsive to a specific stimulus, so that the cargo is only released or activated when desired. In this volume we cover smart nanocarriers that respond to externally applied stimuli that usually involve application of physical energy. This physical energy can be applied from outside the body and can either cause cargo release, or can activate the nanostructure to be cytotoxic, or both. The stimuli covered include light of various wavelengths (ultraviolet, visible or infrared), temperature (increased or decreased), magnetic fields (used to externally manipulate nanostructures and to activate them), ultrasound, and electrical and mechanical forces. Finally we discuss the issue of nanotoxicology and the future scope of the field.

The concept of smart drug delivery vehicles involves designing and preparing a nanostructure (or microstructure) that can be loaded with a cargo. This can be a therapeutic drug, a contrast agent for imaging, or a nucleic acid for gene therapy. The nanocarrier serves to protect the cargo from degradation by enzymes in the body, to enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs, to extend the circulation half-life, and to enhance its penetration and accumulation at the target site. Importantly, smart nanocarriers can be designed to be responsive to a specific stimulus, so that the cargo is only released or activated when desired. In this volume we cover smart nanocarriers that respond to internal stimuli that are intrinsic to the target site. These stimuli are specific to the cell type, tissue or organ type, or to the disease state (cancer, infection, inflammation etc). pH-responsive nanostructures can be used for cargo release in acidic endosomal compartments, in the lower pH of tumors, and for specific oral delivery either to the stomach or intestine. Nanocarriers can be designed to be substrates of a wide-range of enzymes that are over-expressed at disease sites. Oxidation and reduction reactions can be taken advantage of in smart nanocarriers by judicious molecular design. Likewise, nanocarriers can be designed to respond to a range of specific biomolecules that may occur at the target site. In this volume we also cover dual and multi-responsive systems that combine stimuli that could be either internal or external.

The concept of smart drug delivery vehicles involves designing and preparing a nanostructure (or microstructure) that can be loaded with a cargo, this can be a therapeutic drug, a contrast agent for imaging, or a nucleic acid for gene therapy. The nanocarrier serves to protect the cargo from degradation by enzymes in the body, to enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs, to extend the circulation half-life, and to enhance its penetration and accumulation at the target site. Importantly, smart nanocarriers can be designed to be responsive to a specific stimulus, so that the cargo is only released or activated when desired. In this volume we cover smart nanocarriers that respond to externally applied stimuli that usually involve application of physical energy. This physical energy can be applied from outside the body and can either cause cargo release, or can activate the nanostructure to be cytotoxic, or both. The stimuli covered include light of various wavelengths (ultraviolet, visible or infrared), temperature (increased or decreased), magnetic fields (used to externally manipulate nanostructures and to activate them), ultrasound, and electrical and mechanical forces. Finally we discuss the issue of nanotoxicology and the future scope of the field.

Introducing Smart Nanocarrier for Effective Drug Delivery—a pioneering guide that delves into the realm of nanotechnology and its revolutionary impact on drug delivery systems. This comprehensive volume offers a deep understanding of smart nanocarriers' principles, design, and applications, setting it apart as a cutting-edge resource in the field. Nanotechnology has transformed drug delivery, enhanced therapeutic outcomes, and minimized side effects. This book provides a concise yet thorough overview of this dynamic landscape, elucidating key concepts and methodologies. It covers foundational principles and explores advanced strategies for targeted drug delivery, personalized medicine, and combination therapy. KEY FEATURES In-depth exploration of various types of nanocarriers, from liposomes to polymeric nanoparticles, highlighting their unique attributes. Detailed examination of smart stimuli-responsive nanocarriers that release drugs at precise locations and times. Comprehensive analysis of the latest advancements in nanomedicine, including nanodiagnostics and theranostics. Case studies illustrating real-world applications and success stories of nanocarrier-enhanced drug delivery. Smart Nanocarrier for Effective Drug Delivery is an invaluable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students in pharmaceutical sciences, nanotechnology, and drug delivery. It offers a roadmap to harnessing the potential of nanocarriers for enhancing therapeutic efficacy while minimizing adverse effects. This book equips readers with the knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of smart nanocarrier technology, making it an essential addition to their professional toolkit.

The concept of smart drug delivery vehicles involves designing and preparing a nanostructure (or microstructure) that can be loaded with a cargo. This can be a therapeutic drug, a contrast agent for imaging, or a nucleic acid for gene therapy. The nanocarrier serves to protect the cargo from degradation by enzymes in the body, to enhance the solubility of insoluble drugs, to extend the circulation half-life, and to enhance its penetration and accumulation at the target site. Importantly, smart nanocarriers can be designed to be responsive to a specific stimulus, so that the cargo is only released or activated when desired. In this volume we cover smart nanocarriers that respond to internal stimuli that are intrinsic to the target site. These stimuli are specific to the cell type, tissue or organ type, or to the disease state (cancer, infection, inflammation etc). pH-responsive nanostructures can be used for cargo release in acidic endosomal compartments, in the lower pH of tumors, and for specific oral delivery either to the stomach or intestine. Nanocarriers can be designed to be substrates of a wide-range of enzymes that are over-expressed at disease sites. Oxidation and reduction reactions can be taken advantage of in smart nanocarriers by judicious molecular design. Likewise, nanocarriers can be designed to respond to a range of specific biomolecules that may occur at the target site. In this volume we also cover dual and multi-responsive systems that combine stimuli that could be either internal or external.

Smart materials, which can change properties when an external stimulus is applied, can be used for the targeted drug delivery of an active molecule to a specific site in the correct dosage. Different materials such as liposomes, polymeric systems, nanomaterials and hydrogels can respond to different stimuli such as pH, temperature and light and these are all attractive for controlled release applications. With so many papers available on smart and stimuli-responsive materials for drug delivery applications it's hard to know where to start reading about this exciting topic. This two volume set brings together the recent findings in the area and provides a critical analysis of the different materials available and how they can be applied to advanced drug delivery systems. With contributions from leading experts in the field, including a foreword from distinguished scientist Nicholas Peppas, The University of Texas at Austin, USA, the book will provide both an introduction to the key areas for graduate students and new researchers in the stimuli-responsive field as well as serving as a reference for those already working on fundamental materials research or drug delivery applications.

Drug delivery systems and pharmaceutical nanocarriers that respond to different types of stimuli, such as internal ones, intrinsic for the pathological area (changes in pH, temperature, redox condition, activity of certain enzymes), or external, artificially applied (magnetic field, ultrasound, various irradiations), represent an important and continuously growing area of research. Smart Phramaceutical Nanocarriers overviews the various stimuli used for drug release and delivery by smart pharmaceutical carriers and presents cutting-edge research and the newest data from the leading laboratories in each area.

Drug Delivery Devices and Therapeutic Systems examines the current technology and innovations moving drug delivery systems (DDS) forward. The book provides an overview on the therapeutic use of drug delivery devices, including design, applications, and a description of the design of each device. While other books focus on the therapy, the primary emphasis in this book is on current technologies for DDS applications, including microfluidics, nanotechnology, biodegradable hydrogel and microneedles, with a special emphasis on wearable DDS. As part of the Developments in Biomedical Engineering and Bioelectronics series, this book is written by experts in the field and informed with information directly from manufacturers. Pharmaceutical scientists, medical researchers, biomedical engineers and clinical professionals will find this an essential reference. - Provides essential information on the most recent drug delivery systems available - Explains current technology and its applications to drug delivery - Contains contributions from biomedical engineers, pharmaceutical scientists and manufacturers