Editorial of Special Issue “Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers”

Abstract

Safe and effective delivery of therapeutics at the target site is the key to successful therapy. Nanocarriers can offer significant advantages over conventional dosage forms. Over the decades, nanoparticles have been extensively used to increase bioavailability, improve solubility and stability, reduce toxicities, and facilitate the controlled release of therapeutics. Further, nanoparticles have often been surface-functionalized with a variety of ligands to enhance circulation half-life and increase target-specificity. Although nanotechnology has shown significant therapeutic benefits for multiple biomedical applications, limited nanoparticle-based formulations have progressed to clinical trials, and only a few have reached the pharmaceutical market. This editorial is an introduction to the special issue entitled Surface-Functionalized Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers. We outline the scope of the special issue, summarize the results and conclusions of the nine articles published in this issue, and provide perspective on the application of surface-functionalized nanoparticles in the drug delivery field.

A novel carbamide peroxide polymeric nanoparticle bleaching gel: Color change and hydrogen peroxide penetration inside the pulp cavity

“…20,33 Regarding nanoparticles as carriers, the drug release process is the most dependable controlled interaction with biomolecules. 34 The drug's release of experimental gel occurs via the simultaneous biodegradation of the polymeric structure, followed by the drug's release. 35 Thus, the first aspect to consider during this process derives from the polymer nanoparticles' physical characteristics.…”

“…36,37 Due to controlled interactions with biomolecules, the polymer nanoparticles can delivery active moiety at specific sites. 34 Thus, a higher affinity between polymeric nanoparticles and dentin organic compounds could help the target delivery of carbamide peroxide and contribute to the low concentration of hydrogen peroxide inside the pulp cavity. In fact, Lima et al 20 demonstrated the absence of the inflammatory process in dental pulps after the bleaching procedure using the same nanostructured system with polymeric nanoparticles used in the present study.…”

“…According to these authors, adding polymer nanoparticles in carbamide peroxide bleaching gels allows for a controlled release and for a specific delivery site for therapeutics 20,33 . Regarding nanoparticles as carriers, the drug release process is the most dependable controlled interaction with biomolecules 34 . The drug's release of experimental gel occurs via the simultaneous biodegradation of the polymeric structure, followed by the drug's release 35 .…”

“…A second aspect involves nanoparticles' ability as carriers in target delivery and in working at specific sites 36,37 . Due to controlled interactions with biomolecules, the polymer nanoparticles can delivery active moiety at specific sites 34 . Thus, a higher affinity between polymeric nanoparticles and dentin organic compounds could help the target delivery of carbamide peroxide and contribute to the low concentration of hydrogen peroxide inside the pulp cavity.…”