Special Issue
Biopolymer-based nanomaterials for theranostic applications

Guest editor:

Won Jong Kim, PhD
Email:

Recent tendency of drug delivery systems mainly focuses on the design of versatile multifunctional nano-platforms to improve efficiency and effectiveness of therapy. In particular, integrating imaging and therapeutic capabilities into a single nanoplatform can provide an opportunity to monitor and evaluate the real-time response of therapy. Because of this significant advantage, several nanotheranostic platforms have emerged. Most of the current nanotheranostics exploit inorganic nanomaterials as a carrier due to the precisely controlled size, morphology and their unique feature as an imaging agent for radionuclide, fluorescence, SERS, MR or CT imaging applications. However, clinical translation of inorganic nanomaterials is impeded by low excretion rate and nonspecific interaction with biomolecules. From this perspective, biopolymer can be an alternate and safe material to reduce the side effects. Because of the biocompatibility, biodegradability and facile chemical modification, several biopolymers have been investigated for developing nanotheranostics. Still, there are several challenges to be addressed in utilizing biopolymers for the rational design of nanotheranostics. Therefore, we intend to highlight biopolymer-based nanoparticles for theranostics by a special issue on “Biopolymer-based nanomaterials for theranostic applications”. We are highly interested in the following topics but not limited to:

  • Synthesis and modification of biopolymers
  • Stimuli responsive biopolymers
  • Biopolymer-nanomaterial hybrid
  • Biomimetic polymers
  • Modification of inorganic nanomaterials with biopolymers
  • Application of biopolymer-based nanomaterials
  • Bioconjugation techniques

Both research articles and reviews will be considered.

For more information on the journal and its style, please refer to “Instructions for Authors” at http://www.ntno.org/ms/author. All the invited and contributed manuscripts will undergo the standard peer-review procedure of the Journal “Nanotheranostics”, and will be scrutinized by the associate editor and at least two additional expert reviewers in the field. The manuscript submission DEADLINE is set for October 1st, 2016 and the first decision will conclude with 6 weeks from submission after peer-review process.
Manuscripts for this special issue should be submitted online at http://www.ntno.org/ms/submit (mark "Biopolymer-based nanomaterials Special Issue" in the "Suggested reviewers" field to identify the paper).

All inquiries should be sent to the guest editor(s) at the above email address.

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