Recent Developments in the Application of Polymeric Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers

Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary field of science offering interesting solutions for many branches of human life. Nanomaterials, defined as structures with at least one dimension below 100 nm, are the focus of increasing research attention as versatile tools for nanomedicine. Among the various nanostructures recently described in the literature, polymeric nanoparticles, characterized by satisfying biocompatibility, have aroused great interest as the carriers for various biologically active substances such as drugs, proteins and nucleic acids. These nanoparticles have already been reported as efficient vehicles for therapeutic agents in many disease entities. They can be delivered to the body via different administration routes. This review addresses recent advances in the usage of polymeric nanoparticles as drug carriers described in the years 2013 and 2014. The advantages of polymeric nanocarriers for medical application are highlighted, including their low toxicity, evaluated in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the classification of polymeric nanoparticles is presented as well as various protocols of their synthesis.