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Polymeric Nanomedicines
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Editors: Marcel Popa , Constantin V. Uglea

Polymeric Nanomedicines

eBook: US $39 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $243
Printed Copy: US $223
Library License: US $156
ISBN: 978-1-60805-628-6 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-60805-484-8 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2013
DOI: 10.2174/97816080548481130101
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Introduction

Over the last few decades, numerous nanoparticle platforms have been studied for their use in therapeutic applications. This book deals with the description of the construction of technical systems that combines different functionalities which bring liposomes, polymer-drug conjugates, polymer-protein conjugates, dendrimers, polymeric micelles, polymerosomes and other nanoparticles into the realm of nanotechnology proper, as opposed to traditional pharmacology or supramolecular chemistry. The volume additionally covers topics such as passive and active targeting, the strategies used for drug targeting, and the synthesis and characterization of polymeric nanoparticle platforms. Targeted polymeric nanomedicines have shown exciting results in preclinical studies, demonstrating their potential as therapeutic carriers. Therefore, the development of polymeric nanomedicines as therapeutic agents has generated great enthusiasm both in academia and industry.

The book is systematically divided into chapters devoted to a class of polymeric nanomedicines. Each chapter also describes relevant aspects relating to drug design and targeting of polymeric nanomedicines wherever possible.

In addition, a series of chapters concerning the contribution of polymeric nanomedicines in the treatment of several categories of diseases including cancer, inflammatory, renal, immunological diseases, and brain disorders is also presented.

Key features of this book include:

- A comprehensive and cutting-edge overview of polymeric nanomedicines available in a single dedicated volume

- Discussions on advances in drug delivery systems for a variety of diseases

- more than 2000 references, tables, equations, and drawings

Readers, whether beginners or experts, will find in this book, contemporary and relevant information regarding the synthesis, evaluation and applications of polymeric nanomedicines. Supplemented with extensive bibliographic references, tables and figures, this book is an essential and incomparable reference for medicinal chemists, biologists, and medical (oncologic) researchers, as well as for scientists, undergraduate and graduate students in the field of medical bioengineering and polymer nanoscience.

Indexed in: BIOSIS Previews, EBSCO.


eBook: US $39 Special Offer: US $243 Printed Copy: US $223 Library License: US $156

Foreword

The medical application of nanotechnology (that is “nanomedicine”) has enormous potential to improve healthcare, particularly in the treatment of cancer. In that context polymer nanomedicines or polymer therapeutics plays a significant role due to specific properties of macromolecular compounds. At first insight nanomedicine is the rather more well-defined application of nanotechnology in the areas of healthcare and disease diagnosis and treatment. But, here, too, one encounters a bewildering array of programmes and projects. Artificial bone implants already benefit from nanotechnologically improved materials. Nanostructural surfaces can serve as scaffolding controlled tissue-growth. Of course, all kinds of medical devices profit from miniaturization of electronic components as they move beyond micro to nano. Nanoparticulate pharmaceutical agents can penetrate cells more effectively as well as being able to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB). After injecting nanoparticles into tumors, these can be stimulated electromagnetically from outside the body by emitting heat, the stimulated particle can then destroy the tumor cells.The discovery of new molecular targets and the subsequent development of novel anticancer agents offered more perspectives for the use of polymeric nanomedicines in the cancer treatment.

As we are living in a changing society and life expectancy has been continously increasing, human pathologies related to aging, such as musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, nonhealing wounds or neurodegenerative disease, are becoming major health problems. Therefore, a switch in the therapeutic armory is urgently required. I believe that polymeric nanomedicines is the appropriate strategy to achieve an effective treatment of many incurable diseases.

The eBook “Polymeric Nanomedicines” is, in my opinion, a harmonious combination between tradition and innovation. This eBook has highlighted the use of classical organic chemistry methods for obtaining or modifying new nanoparticulate systems with specific biological activity and enhanced effectiveness. Using numerous, diverse and latest sources of information, the eBook represents a significant contribution to knowledge and development of biological active nanosystems. This eBook is useful both for specialists with experience in different fields (chemistry, biochemistry, physicians, surgeons) and young beginners who want to go deep into this fascinating field of biologically active nanoparticulate systems.

The eBook edited by Marcel Popa and Constantin V. Uglea provides a broad overview of the synthesis, characterization and applications of nanoparticulate systems especially in cancer treatment. Written by experts in their respective fields, this eBook will make the reader acquainted with a variety of topics ranging from nanotechnology definition and synthesis and characterization of polymer-drug conjugates to various applications of nanoparticulate systems in cancer treatment and toxicological aspects of these systems.

Raphael M. Ottenbrite
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA
USA