Nanoparticles

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.


1. Nanoparticles obtained by polymerization of a monomer


a. Emulsion polymerization
b. Interfacial polymerization
c. Poly(alkylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles.
d. Interfacial polycondensation


2.Nanoparticles obtained from preformed polymers
a. Synthetic preformed polymers
- Emulsification/solvent evaporation
- Solvent displacement and interfacial deposition
- Emulsification/solvent diffusion
- Ionic gelation
b. Production of nanoparticles from natural macromolecules
- Albumin nanoparticles produced in an external-oily emulsion
- Gelatin nanoparticles produced in an external-oily emulsion
- Alginate nanoparticles
- Chitosan nanoparticles
- Agarose nanoparticles
3. Nanoparticles produced by desolvation of macromolecules