Nanoparticulate drug delivery systems: A revolution in design and development of drugs

The recent developments in nanoparticle-based drug formulations have been helping to address issues around treating challenging diseases. Nanoparticles come in different sizes but usually vary between 100nm to 500nm. For the past few years there has been research going on in the area of drug delivery using particulate delivery systems. Various drug molecules have been modified for both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties using nanoparticles as physical approach. Various polymers have been used in the formulation of nanoparticles for drug delivery research to increase therapeutic benefit, while minimizing side effects. Here, we review various aspects of nanoparticle formulation, characterization, effect of their characteristics and their applications in delivery of drug molecules and therapeutic genes. Keywords: nanoparticles, applications in delivery, Liposomes, Dendrimers