Title: Nanobiotechnology approaches for targeted delivery of pharmaceutics and cosmetics ingredients

Authors: T. Andreani, S. Doktorovova, C.M. Lopes, E.B. Souto

Addresses: Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro (CITAB/UTAD), P.O. Box 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal. ' Centre of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro (IBB/CGB-UTAD), P.O. Box 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal. ' Centre of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro (IBB/CGB-UTAD), P.O. Box 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia, Nr. 296, P-4200-150 Porto, Portugal. ' Centre of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, University of Tras-os-Montes and Alto Douro (IBB/CGB-UTAD), P.O. Box 1013, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Fernando Pessoa University, Rua Carlos da Maia, Nr. 296, P-4200-150 Porto, Portugal

Abstract: Nanobiotechnology refers to the ability to create and manipulate biological and bio-chemical materials, devices, and systems at atomic and molecular levels. Nano delivery systems hold great potential to overcome some of the obstacles in bio-pharmaceutical production, such as water soluble/insoluble pharmaceutical drugs and cosmetic ingredients, risks of toxicity, increasing bio-active efficacy, specificity, tolerability and its therapeutic index. Within nanoparticulate carriers, polymeric and lipid nanoparticles have risen to the forefront of bio-technology, having diverse applications in several fields of pharmaceuticals for oral, topical, ocular and intravenous administration, as well as in dermo-cosmetic products.

Keywords: nanobiotechnology; polymeric nanoparticles; lipid nanoparticles; delivery systems; pharmaceuticals; cosmetics; nanotechnology; targeted delivery; drug delivery; nanoparticulate carriers; dermo-cosmetic products.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2011.037171

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2011 Vol.8 No.1/2, pp.66 - 83

Published online: 30 Nov 2010 *

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