Simple Equations Pertaining to the Particle Number and Surface Area of Metallic, Polymeric, Lipidic and Vesicular Nanocarriers

Introduction: Bioactive encapsulation and drug delivery systems have already found their way to the market as efficient therapeutics to combat infections, viral diseases and different types of cancer. The fields of food fortification, nutraceutical supplementation and cosmeceuticals have also been getting the benefit of encapsulation technologies. Aim: Successful formulation of such therapeutic and nutraceutical compounds requires thorough analysis and assessment of certain characteristics including particle number and surface area without the need to employ sophisticated analytical techniques. Solution: Here we present simple mathematical formulas and equations used in the research and development of drug delivery and controlled release systems employed for bioactive encapsulation and targeting the sites of infection and cancer in vitro and in vivo. Systems covered in this entry include lipidic vesicles, polymeric capsules, metallic particles as well as surfactant- and tocopherol-based micro- and nanocarriers.

Automated summary

Bioactive encapsulation and drug delivery systems have proven to be effective therapeutics for treating infections, cancer, and other diseases, as well as for applications in food fortification. Thorough analysis and evaluation of characteristics such as particle number and surface area are necessary for successful formulation of these compounds without the need for sophisticated analytical techniques. Mathematical formulas and equations are presented for research and development of drug delivery and controlled release systems targeting infection and cancer sites in vitro and in vivo.