Polymer nanoparticles.

Over the past few decades, interest in designing and developing polymeric nanoparticles has undergone considerable explosion. Indeed, these nanoparticulated polymer-based systems provide potential solution to improve therapeutic efficacy and diagnosis sensitivity. In this chapter, general properties, production, and characterization of polymer nanoparticles are introduced. Specifically, the development and application of polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based nanoparticles are emphasized because of the good biocompatible, biodegradable properties, as well as their mechanical flexibility. These PHAs nanoparticles can serve as targeting drug delivery carriers and protein purification and immobilization matrices. The perspective outlook in the last section highlights the future application of polymer nanoparticles in translational science.