Exploring Factors for the Design of Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery Vectors

Abstract

To achieve optimal results when employing nanoparticles in biomedical fields, choosing the right type of nanoparticle and determining the correct procedure for drug loading are key factors. Each type of nanoparticle presents a determined set of characteristics that are, in some cases, unique. In general, their surface charge, geometry or hydrophilic character may be limiting factors, depending on what their intended application is. Once synthesized, additional factors, such as their interaction with biological systems and liberation mechanisms into the target cells, also need to be taken into account. Multiple advantages arise from the use of nanoparticles, such as the capability to solubilize hydrophobic compounds and an increased bioavailability. Those advantages justify the extensive and delicate study that should be undertaken in order to use them as drug delivery agents. One of the most important factors for the design of a drug delivery system with nanoparticles is achieving a high drug-to-nanoparticle ratio. In this Minireview, all of these key factors, both physicochemical and biological, are described, and special emphasis is placed on loading methods employed to introduce drugs into nanoparticles.

Assisted delivery of anti-tumour platinum drugs using DNA-coiling gold nanoparticles bearing lumophores and intercalators: towards a new generation of multimodal nanocarriers with enhanced action

“…This is an unexpected and very interesting new aspect of DNA binding since such an effect is more commonly associated with polycations. Given that cationic nanoparticles can disrupt membranes in the cell, 33,34 anionic nanoparticles that can cause such dramatic effects on DNA may have fascinating potential for new approaches to in-cell nucleic acid recognition.…”

“…Nevertheless, in intriguing early studies, Murphy 56 andÅkerman 57 reported some form of interaction between ds-DNA and citrate coated gold nanoparticles and there have been some subsequent similar reports. 33,58,[73][74][75] The interaction is weak and its nature unclear, with suggestions including direct adsorption to the gold with displacement of the citrate. 56 This does demonstrate that anionic charge on the surface of the nanoparticle does not exclude DNA-binding as long as there are sufficient favourable interactions to counter it; on a macromolecule such as a nanoparticle this may be possible.…”

“…[30][31][32] Anionic nanoparticles are perceived to be advantageous for drug delivery, as cationic nanoparticles can disrupt membranes in the cell. 33,34 A few studies exploring the potential of GNP-assisted delivery of platinum drugs have been reported: carboxylatefunctionalized GNPs have been synthesized to conjugate cisplatin [35][36][37][38][39][40] and oxaliplatin 41 by direct binding of Pt(II) to carboxylic groups; cisplatin has also been attached to GNPs by interaction with PEG chains 42 and lipidic coatings forming two or three layers; 43 Pt(IV) prodrugs have been attached to GNPs surface either by amide bonds through their labile axial ligands, 44 and non-covalently onto a GNP surface through cyclodextrins (guest-host chemistry). 45 Some of these examples have employed release triggering mechanisms using pHsensitive carboxylate linkages 39,40,46 and thiol groups.…”

Designed Boron‐Rich Polymeric Nanoparticles Based on Nano‐ion Pairing for Boron Delivery

“…The selected PEO‐ b ‐PGEA block copolymers were tested to produce the boron‐rich nanoparticles (BNs) via simple co‐assembly of guanidinium moieties with [B 12 H 12 ] 2− as the first example of polymeric nanostructures based on [B 12 H 12 ] 2− ion pairing. Thus, no exoskeletal substitution of borane cluster was needed [35–37] . Furthermore, considering the important roles of size and charge for the cellular uptake of nanocarriers, [38] all the BNs were designed with the size range 10–20 nm, and kept charge neutral (compensation of guanidinium and [B 12 H 12 ] 2− charges).…”

“…Thus, no exoskeletal substitution of borane clusterw as needed. [35][36][37] Furthermore, considering the important roles of size and charge for the cellular uptake of nanocarriers, [38] all the BNs were designed with the size range 10-20 nm, and kept charge neutral (compensation of guanidinium and [B 12 H 12 ] 2À charges). Based on the benefit of previousr esearch,B Ns were expected to exhibit high biocompatibility,l ong retention time in plasma, and good cellular uptake.…”