Silica Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System for Immunomodulator GMDP

The development of nanosystems for topical drug delivery to target cells is a promising tool to improve the drug therapeutic index. Transport systems can be designed to control the dispatch of the loaded drug to target areas, increasing its local concentration and bioavailability, while prolonging its retention, half-life and effectiveness. Therefore, such ''smart'' nanodevices are able to change radically the practice of therapy for a variety of diseases and disorders. The purpose of this book is to present the recent research development of nanoparticulate delivery systems for immune modulating agent, glucosaminyl muramyldipeptides (N-acetylglucosaminyl-Nacetylmuramyl L-alanyl-D-isoglutamine) or GMDP, which is the main component of bacterial wall with known target of action through NOD2 receptors, with an overlook to their applications for treatment of endometriosis, which often results in infertility. Silica-based nanoparticles have generated a significant amount of interest because of their inherent properties.