Polymeric nanoparticles for therapy and imaging

Polymeric nanoparticles and their applications have been studied over the long period. Polymeric nanoparticles have been shown to be promising carriers for drug delivery because of their potential in encapsulating drugs hence protecting them from excretion and metabolism. Different polymers have been used, and different strategies such as surface modification have been carried out to increase the retention time of nanoparticles and to increase therapeutic benefit while minimizing side effects. Here, we review aspects of polymeric nanoparticles and their application in magnetic resonance imaging technology, disease therapy, drug delivery systems, and gene transfer. Copyright (c) 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.