Biodegradable nano- and microparticles as carriers of bioactive compounds

This review presents examples of polymeric carriers that may be used for design of clinically aplicable drug delivery systems. In particular, there are discussed methods suitable for protein and oligopeptide modification in a way making these molecules "invisible" for immune system of an organism into which they are introduced. Presented are methods of synthesis of block copolymers suitable for self-assembly into nanoparticles loaded with bioactive compounds. There are discussed also strategies used for obtaining microparticles loaded with bioactive compounds either from earlier synthesized polymers or from monomers, directly during polymerization.