Indian Journal of Pharmacology 1999; 31: 81

BOOKS REVIEW
Future Strategies for Drug Delivery with Particulate Systems, by Dr.rer.nat.Julia E. Diederichs and
Prof. rer.nat. Rainer H. Mller, Published by
Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers Stuttgart
1998. 200 pages, ISBN 3-88763-061-0.
The chapters of this book are based on the lectures
of the first European Workshop on Particulate Systems, Barlin-BrandeburgischeAkademie der
Wissenschapten, Berlin, 15-16 March 1997.
Particulate systems offer a large potential for the controlled delivery of drugs, diagnostic agents, antigens
and genetic material and cosmetics. The book
presents trends and future strategies in these fields
using liposomes, emulsions, polymeric nanoparticles,
solid lipid nanoparticles, nanosuspensions of poorly
soluble and bioactive drugs, particulate diagnostics.
The european pharmaceutical research groups at
universities present their current research activities
and outline the strategies for controlled delivery of
the future.
Research in the field of particulate systems has a
multidisciplinary nature; physical, pharmaceutical and
therapeutic aspects are studied by various research
groups. The book covers pharmaceutical applications
such as traditional formulations for drug targeting, delivery to increase therapeutic efficacy reducing drug
side effects and gene delivery. The book also
considers cosmetic formulations. Regarding liposomes and nonosuspensions special emphasis is
given to industrial needs such as low cost large scale
production, a prerequisite to supply the pharmaceutical and cosmetic market. This book is compiled to
meet the challenge to develop effective low cost systems to deliver the right drug with the right rate and/
or at right side.
The book has 7 major chapters and has about 200
pages. The special features of the book is that few
challenging tasks like developing delivery systems of
protein and peptides, oligonucleotides immuno
enzymosomes and cytokines are nicely explained with
interesting data and discussions. Few extensive evaluation techniques and data of magnetic resonance lymphography, two dimensional electrophoresis, electron

BOOKS REVIEW

microscopy are also presented in simple useful manner. The application of novel carrier systems are nicely
illustrated. The latest research findings of drug delivery with particulate systems are also extensively explained. This book will be very useful for research
scientists in academic institutions and pharmaceutical industry.
N. Udupa
College of Pharmaceutical Science
K.M.C., Manipal - 576 119

CALENDER FOR PHARMACISTS 1999 58th VOLUME Editors: Wolfgang-Hagen Hein and Werner
Dressendorfer. Translation Diane Blaurock(English),
Price 48 DM. ISBN 3-7692-2426-4 1998, Deutscher
Apotheker Verlag, Birkenwaldstrabe - 44, D-70191
Stuttgart, Germany. Internet http://www.DeutscherApotheker-Verlag.de
In continuation with earlier volume this years twelve
plates calender by the same team highlights cultural
and historical importance of pharmacy in Europe. The
twelve colour plates are judiciously selected photographs of Wooden Apothecary Jars, Paradise painted
on pharmacy door, Frieze from Abbey Church, Bronze
Mortar from Hachman Workshop, Cabinet from Fracke
Foundation in Halle, Plant Murals in St. Michaels
Church, Cobalt glass containers, Plican Pharmacy,
Etched glass panes, 18th century glass jars, title page
of Hortus Eystettensis (a book describing medicinal
plants cultivated in bishops garden) and the last plate
is painting identifying the saviour as the heavenly
Pharmacist. The large sized (49X49 cm) art paper
plates give true impression of the originals bearing
wittness to the culture and history of pharmacy in
Europe. To add to its utility behind each plate relevant information regarding source of photographed
material and its historic importance is given for ready
reference. This attractive calender will be preserved
by the history lovers of pharmacy as a precious collection.
DG Shewade
Dept. of Pharmacology
JIPMER.,
Pondicherry - 6.