Aplicações terapêuticas de nanopartículas poliméricas: inovações e perspectivas

Abstract

In the pharmaceutical field, polymeric nanoparticles (NPPs) stand out as promising tools due to their ability to encapsulate drugs, improving bioavailability and providing controlled and targeted release of drugs. These particles increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects, being widely applied in the treatment of diseases such as cancer, HIV/AIDS, neurodegenerative, respiratory and ocular diseases. This work aims to analyze the therapeutic applications of polymeric nanoparticles, as well as their innovations and perspectives. This is an integrative review of relevant sources, searched in databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar, using inclusion and exclusion criteria, focusing on studies published since 2014. The studies highlight the advances in the development of NPPs for biomedical applications, evidencing their impact on modern therapies. Recent research indicates significant progress in drug encapsulation, use of coatings and specific functionalizations, such as the application of biomolecules to improve targeting, reduce side effects and prolong the controlled release of drugs. Applications in specific areas also show promising results. Such as the use of mucoadhesive nanoparticles (NPs) coated with hyaluronic acid to treat ocular infections, prolonging the action of antibiotics and improving the bioavailability of the drug on the ocular surface. In addition, NPs functionalized with Apolipoprotein E (ApoE3) demonstrated greater brain uptake and specific binding to beta-amyloid, optimizing the sustained release of drugs to the brain in the treatment of neurological diseases. In oncology, NPs targeted by tumor peptides and coated with specific molecules have shown high tumor selectivity, controlled release and significant reduction of aggressive tumors, such as pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Polymeric nanoparticles represent a revolution in modern medicine, offering innovative solutions for more effective, safe and personalized treatments. Their potential for future innovations consolidates nanotechnology as an essential tool for the development of personalized, efficient and less invasive treatments, highlighting its importance in the advancement of biomedical sciences.