Design of hydrogel-based nanoparticles for intervention execution

Up till now we have discussed the design of various systems for genetic manipulation, and have highlighted the prospects of incorporating cyclodextrins and upconversion nanoparticles into the systems to enhance the versatility and functionality. Because this is the last chapter of Part II, we will switch our focus from nucleic acid transfer to delivery of nongenetic materials, particularly chemical drugs, and will present the advances in the development of hydrogel nanoparticles as drug carriers. Nanoparticles are submicronic colloidal systems with a high surface-to-volume ratio. The presence of a large surface area can enable surface functionalization, and can also enhance the adsorption of poorly soluble drugs. Together with their high biocompatibility, hydrogel nanoparticles are systems that warrant further exploration for biological applications and intervention development.