DRUG-LOADED NANOPARTICLES - PREPARATION METHODS AND DRUG TARGETING ISSUES

This review examines the technology currently available for the prepar ation of drug loaded nanoparticles and in particular their formation, purification, sterilization and freeze drying. The technological advan tages and disadvantages of the different preparation techniques are di scussed. A detailed analysis is made on the entrapment efficacy, which indicates the proportion of drug incorporated during the manufacturin g process. The paper also provides the background information and guid elines needed for selecting the method which proves the most effective for a particular drug. The specific pharmaceutical requirements which must be met in the purification, sterilization and freeze drying of n anoparticles when designed for injection are discussed. Further, this review provides an update on recent advances in drug targeting and sus tained release achieved by nanoparticulate reparations. In vivo studie s for assessing strategies which avoid massive nanoparticle uptake by the reticuloendothelial system are reviewed. The possibility of sustai ned release and bioavailability increase using nanoparticulate prepara tions are also discussed for the oral and ocular route of administrati on.