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Polymeric nanoparticles are engineered nanostructured materials of nm scale that can be tuned to load and then release therapeutic compounds entrapped within the polymeric core or retained in the polymeric matrix. The different polymeric matrix configurations define two main nanoparticle subcategories: polymeric nanospheres and nanocapsules. Polymeric nanospheres retain the therapeutic compounds adsorbed, dispersed, or cross-linked in the spherical polymeric structure for controlled delivery. Polymeric nanocapsules consist of an inner part (core) in which the therapeutic substance is contained and enveloped by a polymeric shell. The most important features of polymeric nanoparticles are high kinetic stability, structural versatility for controlled drug release, rigid morphology, capacity to incorporate hydrophilic or hydrophobic drugs, and multiple possibilities for surface functionalization. These attributes …