Polymeric nanocapsules as drug delivery systems - A review

General aspects of nanocapsules used in drug delivery systems are reviewed from both a physicochemical and a therapeutic point of view. We first descr ibe the preparation methods and ways to characterize this o/w system (size, surface, density, release, stability), and theta describe the influence of encapsulation within nanocapsules on the biological activity of numerous d rugs. Among the indications for the therapeutic use nanocapsules, one can c ite solubilization of poorly water-soluble drugs, protection of drugs from inactivation in the gastro-intestinal tract, protection of mucosa from the toxicity of drugs, increased permeation of drugs through mucosal surfaces a nd prolongation of the blood circulation of injected drugs. Since the mid-1 980s, many different active molecules, such as anti-inflammatory agents, an ticancer drugs, immunostimulating compounds, antiinfectious agents, antigla ucomatous drugs and even peptides have been encapsulated and as a result th eir pharmacological effect has been improved or their secondary effects red uced compared with free drugs after administration by oral, parenteral or o cular routes.