Polymer nanocapsules are widely used in the biomedical field, especially as carriers for controlled drug delivery. The main preparation methods are described in the paper (nanoprecipitation, emulsion-diffusion, double emulsification, emulsion-coacervation, polymer-coating, layer-by-layer and interfacial polycondensation), emphasizing the role of different parameters on drug encapsulation efficiency and drug release profiles. Mechanisms of drug loading and releasing are also shortly discussed. The paper ends with the presentation of the major biomedical applications (drug delivery and diagnosis) of polymer nanocapsules, the discussion being directed toward several routes of drug administration.
Keywords: Polymer nanocapsules, biodegradability, biocompatibility, nanoprecipitation, emulsion-diffusion, double emulsification, emulsion-coacervation, polymer-coating, layer-by-layer, interfacial polycondensation, drug encapsulation, drug bioavailability, drug delivery, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, diagnosis, oral administration, antitumoral drugs, cancer photothermal therapy, ophthalmic therapies, transdermal delivery.
