Improving the pharmacodynamic and pharmacological profile of bioactive molecules using biopolymers

To improve the efficacy of old and new drugs, more optimized and sustainable treatments are desired. New delivery tools have been developed to target bioactive molecules to their own specific receptors, thereby improving pharmacodynamics and pharmacological activity. An ideal delivery platform for bioactive molecules must achieve an optimized release with a favorable risk/benefit ratio to be adopted for treating patients. In particular, nanostructured materials (hydrogels, nanoparticles) represent good candidates to improve pharmacodynamics, maximizing the biological response of different bioactive molecules. A multidisciplinary approach encompassing medicine, biology, and engineering plays a relevant role in the development of these innovative delivery tools, increasing the possibility to effectively treat several pathologies.