Designer nanoparticles: incorporating size, shape and triggered release into nanoscale drug carriers

Abstract

Importance of the field-Although significant progress has been made in delivering therapeutic agents through micro and nanocarriers, precise control over in vivo biodistribution and diseaseresponsive drug release has been difficult to achieve. This is critical for the success of next generation drug delivery devices, since newer drugs, designed to interfere with cellular functions, must be efficiently and specifically delivered to diseased cells. The major constraint in achieving this has been our limited repertoire of particle synthesis methods, especially at the nanoscale. Recent developments in generating shape-specific nanocarriers and the potential to combine stimuliresponsive release with nanoscale delivery devices show great promise in overcoming these limitations.Areas covered in this review-Here we discuss how recent advancements in fabrication technology allow synthesis of highly monodisperse, stimuli-responsive, drug-carrying nanoparticles of precise geometries. We also review how particle properties, specifically shape and stimuli responsiveness, affect biodistribution, cellular uptake, and drug release.What the reader will gain-The reader is introduced to recent developments in intelligent drug nanocarriers and new nanofabrication approaches that can be combined with disease-responsive biomaterials. This will provide insight into the importance of controlling particle geometry and incorporating stimuli responsive materials into drug delivery.

The influence of natural pulmonary surfactant on the efficacy of siRNA-loaded dextran nanogels

“…Also, pre-incubation of pulmonary surfactant increases the d H of siDEX-NGs (Figure 2), which can have a considerable influence on the mechanism and kinetics of endocytic uptake. [28,29].…”

Interaction of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles and Specific Proteins of the Corona Studied by Surface Plasmon Resonance

“…The polydispersity index of the obtained nanoparticles ranged between 0.14 and 0.23, verifying in all cases the small polydispersity of the SLN solutions. It is well known that size influences both cell uptake and drug release kinetics in nanoparticles and other particulate systems [31][32][33]. Accordingly, it is desirable to attain low polydispersity since this is expected to result in a more predictable and homogeneous behavior within the targeted biological system.…”

Drug Delivery Systems: Possibilities and Challenges

“…Rather, this new class of NP has the ability to respond to environmental, chemical, thermal or biological cues. 143,144 These "smart materials" release their therapeutic payload only upon being triggered by specific stimulus.…”