Controlled drug delivery with nanoparticles : current possibilities and future trends

Numerous investigations have shown that the distribution profile of a drug can be modified at the cellular and tissular level by entrapment in submicronic colloidal systems (nanoparticles). This review provides an update on the technologies available for nanoparticles preparation. Their in vivo fate after intravascular administration is discussed, especially the strategies which are currently considered to avoid the uptake by the reticuloendothelial system. The paper also provides information about the existence of nanoparticles translocation after oral administration. Further, toxicological aspects are examined. Finally, the last part of this review is focused on the application of nanoparticles in therapeutics