“This is an exciting book written by top specialists in the field. It covers all major aspects of preparation of drug delivery systems in a very comprehensive manner: from dedicated polymer synthesis to preparation of most advanced nanocarriers designed for treatment of diseases posing major threats to the mankind nowadays. The book is written in a way that makes it interesting and useful for both newcomers to the field and specialists. The former can find in it excellent and clearly presented introductory information. For the latter it would be a comprehensive reference book and a source of new ideas and inspirations.”

Prof. Dr. Hab. Stanislaw Slomkowski - CMMS, Polish Academy of Sciences, Poland

• First ever book to throw light on the new area of nanobottles (impermeable wall combined with responsive lid)

• A unique combination of textbook and state-of-the-art overview

• Focuses on responsive nanoparticles

• Covers the basics of both responsive polymers and synthesis of nanoparticles

In the area of controlled release of active substances, such as drugs, a strong interest in nanoparticles as carriers of active ingredients has arisen. Some of the active components are extremely hydrophobic, without cellular permeability, and susceptible to metabolic degradation, owing to which their use is limited. Such agents can be transported without any problem through physiological media by using nanoparticles. The size of particles is an important parameter because it governs the efficiency of the delivery system. For this type of application, particles that have a diameter smaller than 1 micrometer are especially useful. Polymeric nanoparticles that have diameters in the colloidal range are produced by means of polymerization processes in dispersed media. Drugs are taken up into the nanoparticles by adsorption, absorption, or “entrapment,” or covalent bonding and they are delivered (released) by desorption, diffusion, polymer degradation, or a combination of these mechanisms.

Nanoparticles (including nanogels) that release their contents by external triggering open up new possibilities for therapeutic strategies. External triggering by light, heat, change in pH, application of ultrasound, etc., opens up the possibility to release the material on demand. If only a part of the wall of the nanoparticle (nanocapsule) is responsive, we are dealing with the so-called nanobottles, a nanocontainer with the active substance and a lid on the container that can be “opened” and “closed” by external triggering.

This book focuses on responsive nanoparticles and brings together two interesting areas: nanoparticles and responsive polymers. The concept of the book is that of a systematic approach from nanoparticles synthesis via responsive polymers to nanobottles. The second part of the book presents contributions from experts in the field and provides a state-of-the-art overview on the field.

Advanced undergraduate- and graduate-level students in nanotechnology; researchers in macromolecular science, nanotechnology, chemistry, biology, and medicine, especially those with an interest in drug delivery