Nanocrystal Technologies in Biomedical Sciences (Hardcover)

This edited volume presents a thorough exploration of the fundamentals, concepts and methods of nanocrystal development for targeted drug delivery.

In pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences, addressing poor bioavailability is of paramount importance in drug development. Innovative strategies are being employed to enhance the solubility, dissolution rate, and physiochemical properties of Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) II and IV drugs. Drug nanocrystals have emerged as a solution by leveraging the crystalline nature of drugs to address critical challenges. This carrier-free colloidal drug delivery system operates at the nano-size range, where the crystalline drug particle core is enveloped by a stabilizing agent (surfactant/polymer). However, selecting a stabilizer remains a persistent challenge for certain drug molecules.

This book aims to address the critical aspects of nanocrystal technology by covering classification, stabilizer selection criteria, bottom-up and bottom-down preparation, characterization methods, recent advancements, toxicological considerations, regulatory insights, and clinical status of drug nanocrystals. The book advocates the implementation of a quality by design (QbD) and a design of experimentation approach to minimize errors in product optimization and validation for targeted drug delivery systems.

The book comprises of contributions from global experts including renowned formulators, researchers, and academicians ensuring diverse insights and expertise across various specializations. The book is primarily targeted at academic and industrial researchers, Ph.D. and postdoctoral research fellows, formulation scientists, and bio-medical professionals.

Dr. Neelesh Kumar Mehra is working in the Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India. He earned PhD from Dr. H.S. Gour University, Sagar and PostDoc from Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A and M Health Science Centre, Kingsville, TX, USA. He served as Manager in Product Development, Sentiss Research Centre, Sentiss Pharma Pvt Ltd. Gurgaon for development, scale-up and technology transfer of complex ophthalmic, inhalation and optic pharmaceutical products. He received ‘TEAM AWARD’ for successful commercialization of Ophthalmic Suspension product. He has authored more than 140 peer-reviewed publications in high repute International Journals, and >50 book chapter contributions. He has 04 granted and 05 filed patent on manufacturing process and composition to improved therapeutic efficacy for topical delivery. He has supervised 05 PhD research scholar and 36 MS Students for their research work. Currently, he is mentoring 10 PhD and 05 M.S. students for dissertations/research projects. He has completed numerous extramural research projects from different government agencies on cancer, diabetic wound and ophthalmic formulation development. He has received numerous outstanding awards including Young Scientist and Team Awards for their research output. He is a peer reviewer of various international Journals and publishers.

He recently published edited book on Multifunctional nanocarriers, Biopharmaceutical and nanotechnology. He has rich research and teaching experience in the formulation and development of complex, innovative ophthalmic and injectable biopharmaceutical products including micro- and nanotechnologies for regulated market and so on.

According to announcement by the Stanford University Scientists based on the database and basis of standardized citation indicators, Dr. Mehra name is included in top 2% scientists in the world in the area of Pharmacology and Pharmacy, consecutively for 3 years.

Dr. Kuldeep K. Bansal, an adjunct professor, has been affiliated with the Department of Pharmacy at Åbo Akademi University in Turku, Finland, since 2017. He commenced his tenure at Åbo Akademi University as a Postdoctoral researcher, focusing on the development of polymer-based nano-formulations. During his tenure, he produced a novel polymer named poly(jasmine lactone) (PJL) and pushing technology forward to identify commercial pathways for drug delivery applications. He obtained his PhD from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom in 2015. His study primarily focuses on the production of novel polymers for enhanced delivery of toxic and hydrophobic pharmaceuticals. He possesses experience in working with pharmaceutical companies in the research and development and quality assurance sectors. He has produced over 40 peer-reviewed publications in reputable international journals along with more than 4 book chapters. He serves as a peer reviewer for numerous international journals and publishers.

He possesses one awarded patent on Polymer and composition from renewable sources. He is presently supervising four PhD students and has overseen more than ten MS students in their dissertations and research projects.