D V Gowda

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) are the superseding drug delivery system in the nanotechnology sphere. SLNs has been developed at the beginning of 1990s with potential applications in the field of pharmaceuticals, cosmeceuticals, clinical medicine along with research as a substitute to the traditional colloidal carrier systems such as emulsions, liposomes since they exclude those downsides of the traditional system. SLN s offers a great way for controlled drug delivery and site targeting drug delivery as well. This article gives general information about the solid lipid nanoparticles, their production procedures and characterization. In addition to that, the recent advancements of drug delivery systems using SLNs were reviewed.

Curcumin, an orange-yellow colored component of turmeric is a diarylheptanoid. It is the principal curcuminoid obtained from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant (Zingiberaceae). It is a polyphenol product obtained from turmeric. It is been used in some medicinal preparation and even as a food-coloring agent. By the in vivo and in vitro studies it is confirmed that curcumin has antiviral, anti-arthritic anticancer, anti-amyloid, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The present article highlights the role of curcumin in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It emphasizes on the oral, transdermal and parenteral routes of drug delivery systems and the emerging trends related to these delivery systems such as solid dispersions, cyclodextrin inclusion compounds, solid lipid nanoparticles, liposomes, micro nano emulsions, transdermal patches, topical gel and proniosomes etc.

Polymer grafting open a new window to pharmaceutical formulation. This article review about the different natural polymer and their application in pharmaceutical industry. Techniques such as grafting, crosslinking, blending and composite formation techniques are accustomed to modify the polymer. Recently, polymer grafting method received a wide attention than the other methods employed in the modification of the polymer. Polymer grafting can be achieved by covalent bonding of monomer to the polymer. In this review, techniques such as chemical grafting, radiation grafting etc. are also discussed.