This textbook explains the fundamental aspects of nanotechnology and fills the gap between bio-inspired nanotechnological systems and functionality of living organisms, introducing new insights to their physicochemical, biophysical and thermodynamic behaviour. Addressed to all those involved in recent advances in pharmaceutics, this book is divided in three major parts: Part A refers to the physicochemical and thermodynamics aspects of nanosystems, wherein their biophysical behaviour is correlated with that of the cells of living organisms; Part B refers to the application of nanotechnology in imaging, diagnostics and therapeutics; Part C is focused on issues regarding safety and nanotoxicity of nanosystems, and the regulatory framework that surrounds these. The text promotes the concept that biophysics, thermodynamics and nanotechnology are considered to be emerging tools that, when approached within regulatory boundaries, provide new and integrated knowledge for the production of new medicines.

Autorentext

Costas Demetzos is Professor of Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology in the University of Athens. He also serves as Director of the Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, as President of the Hellenic Pharmaceutical Society and is an elected Member of EUFEPS' ExCo (Network Coordinator).

His research interest is primarily on Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology (lipidic, polymeric and mixed drug delivery nanosystems), Physical Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Compounding and Regulatory Aspects. He has published more than 190 research papers, one monograph, co-authored one book and edited three books.

He has also been awarded in Pharmaceutical congresses and from the Hellenic Society of Biomaterials for his contribution on the application of bionanomaterials.

Inhalt

Part I.- 1. Introduction to Nanotechnology.- 2. Fundamentals of Physical Pharmacy: The Biophysics of Nanosystems.- Part II.- 3. Application of Nanotechnology in Imaging and Diagnostics.- 4. Application of Nanotechnology in Drug Delivery and Targeting.- Part III.- 5. Application of Nanotechnology in Modified Release Systems.- 6. Nano- and Bio- Toxicity.- 7. Regulatory Framework for Nanomedicines.