title: Nanoencapsulation I. Methods for preparation of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles.
abstract: Polymeric nanoparticles have been extensively studied as particulate carriers in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, because they show promise as drug delivery systems as a result of their controlled- and sustained-release properties, subcellular size, and biocompatibility with tissue and cells. Several methods to prepare nanoparticles have been developed during the last two decades, classified according to whether the particle formation involves a polymerization reaction or arises from a macromolecule or preformed polymer. In this review the most important preparation methods are described, especially those that make use of natural polymers. Advantages and disadvantages will be presented so as to facilitate selection of an appropriate nanoencapsulation method according to a particular application.
authors.affiliation: Laboratório Tecnologia Farmacêutica, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
authors.forename: Catarina Pinto
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Reis
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Neufeld
authors.forename: António J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Ribeiro
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Veiga
mesh_terms: D002214:Capsules / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D003460:Crystallization / Q000379:methods; D004339:Drug Compounding / Q000379:methods*; D004655:Emulsions / Q000737:chemistry; D050997:Nanomedicine / Q000379:methods; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000737:chemistry*; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles / Q000138:chemical synthesis; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D002214:Capsules; D004655:Emulsions; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D014677:Pharmaceutical Vehicles; D011108:Polymers