In this book, we explore the potential applications of functionalized folic acid-polymer nanoparticles in gene and drug delivery. Folic acid-chitosan (carbohydrates) and folic acid-PAMAM (dendrimers) of different sizes were used to transport DNA, RNA and drugs in vitro. Thermodynamic analysis showed conjugation of DNA, RNA and drug to nanoparticles occurred via hydrophilic, hydrophobic, H-bonding and van der Waals contacts. Major alterations of DNA and RNA morphology occurred by nanocarrier interaction, while drugs induced polymer morphological changes. Functionalized folic acid-nanoparticles can deliver DNA, RNA and drugs to the target molecules.

H.A. Tajmir-Riahi: Research Professor at University of Quebec in Trois-Rivieres (UQTR), Canada. He was admitted to the Circle of Excellence of Quebec University in 2017. He has 340 publications in international journals with 6 books and 15 book chapters. Research interest: drug interactions with DNA, RNA and proteins; drug delivery.