Nanotechnology in drug delivery: present status and a glimpse into the future

Abstract

Nanotechnology for drug delivery deals with an entire spectrum of nanosized materials that have certain size-dependent properties of biological and biomedical relevance. This may include the improvement of intracellular delivery and subcellular targeting or the accessing of otherwise inaccessible sites in the body by overcoming various anatomical and physiological barriers. The barriers that need to be overcome often differ depending on the route of administration being explored. There have been several advancements in this field and yet there have been concerns related to the translational potential of the technology. In this special focus issue of Therapeutic Delivery, we are focusing on some of the new developments, unanswered questions and future potential of nanotechnology in drug delivery. A collection of articles including experimental papers, reviews and editorials have been invited from experts in the field to cover a wide range of subtopics of importance. These address emerging concepts and the recent advances in addressing important issues, allowing us to gain perspective on the current status and the future growth and success of the field.