Surface modification techniques for active targeting of polymeric nanoparticles

The past few decades have witnessed extensive research in the area of drug delivery using nanoparticulate delivery systems as carriers for small as well as large molecules. The current focus of research in this area has generated a broad spectrum of carriers with better biological performance in terms of both circulation time and target specificity. Surface modification of particulate systems like nanoparticles has proved to be useful in offering multi-functionality and to improve the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of various drugs. Surface modification techniques are not only used to protect the drug entity in the systemic circulation, but also to restrict access of the drug to the chosen sites and to deliver the drug at a controlled and sustained rate to the site of action. Here, we review various types of nanoparticles and environmentally friendly techniques for the production of nanoparticles using various polymers, which is a quite promising area of research. The review also covers the various aspects of nanoparticles’ formulation, and in–vivo behavior and their applications in drug delivery for therapeutic enhancement.