Preface

This book presents and discusses recent developments in the field of drug delivery. Technological advancements in the field of pharmaceutical sciences have revolutionized the patient care industry. The manufacturing industry has seen a dramatic shift from developing simple traditional dosage forms, which included simple compressed tablets and syrups, to novel drug delivery systems and targeted therapeutics. Thus, it becomes essential to bridge the gap between the current research scenario and technical knowledge provided at the pharmaceutical institutions to maximize the skills of individuals involved at any level in this domain. Developing a robust, safe and effective dosage form has always been a challenge. It requires a multidisciplinary approach. Thorough information of basic principles in pharmaceutical sciences is necessary to impart robustness, enhance efficacy and develop smarter medicaments. This book includes chapters that cover topics such as physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization of drugs, design and development of smart dosage forms, and technological advancements such as artificial intelligence and its role in drug delivery.

The book is divided into two sections. The first section, "Drug Delivery System," focuses on different carrier systems. Chapters in this section are related to drug delivery through liposomes, protein and peptide delivery, smart drug delivery systems in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, phospholipid-based nano-drug delivery systems of phytoconstituents, aliphatic polyester nanoparticles for drug delivery systems, strategies to develop cyclodextrin-based nanosponges for smart drug delivery, smart drug delivery strategies for enhancing the bioavailability of nutraceuticals, and targeted nano-drug delivery systems for colon cancer. The second section, "Novel Tools and Techniques in Drug Delivery System," focuses on the utilization of recent techniques and software for developing effective dosage forms. One chapter in this section provides an overview of artificial intelligence in health care and another chapter provides valuable information on the application of statistical tools in the optimization and development of smart drug delivery systems. Chapters in both sections are written by experts in the field and the authors have put forth tremendous effort in compiling useful information that can be used by both researchers and academicians around the world.

The editor is thankful to his co-editors Dr. Juber Akhtar and Dr. Md. Faheem Haider for their support throughout the journey of the book. He is also grateful to all the authors for their excellent contributions.

> **Dr. Usama Ahmad** Faculty of Pharmacy, Integral University Lucknow, India

**Md. Faheem Haider and Juber Akhtar** Integral University, Lucknow, India
