Molecularly Imprinted Polymeric Micro- and Nano-Particles for the Targeted Delivery of Active Molecules

Abstract

Molecular imprinting (MI) represents a strategy to introduce a 'molecular memory' in a polymeric system obtaining materials with specific recognition properties. MI particles can be used as drug delivery systems providing a targeted release and thus reducing the side effects. The introduction of molecular recognition properties on a polymeric drug carrier represents a challenge in the development of targeted delivery systems to increase their efficiency. This review will summarize the limited number of drug delivery MI particles described in the literature along with an overview of potential solutions for a larger exploitation of MI particles as targeted drug delivery carriers. Molecularly imprinted drug carriers can be considered interesting candidates to significantly improve the efficiency of a controlled drug treatment.

The Use of TAT Peptide-Functionalized Graphene as a Highly Nuclear-Targeting Carrier System for Suppression of Choroidal Melanoma

“…Thus, it continues to be important to develop new nuclear-targeting systems that can deliver antitumor drugs to tumor cells. A nuclear-targeting drug delivery system is seen as one efficient approach to improving the efficiency of the targeted suppression of tumors during these clinical trials [6]. Furthermore, this approach offers additional advantages as they provide metastatic inhibition of tumors.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles: An Emerging Versatile Platform for Cancer Therapy

“…During the release of drug molecules from MIPs, the high affinity of the MIPs to the drug molecules results in a more controlled release kinetics. [47] This mechanism has been utilized for the prolonged release of antitumor drugs. One example is a carbazole derivative released from a magnetic nanoMIP prepared with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and 1,4-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-9H-carbazole as the template molecule for controlled antitumor drug delivery.…”

“…Copyright 2016, Nature Publishing Group. tivity of some interactions to the external environmental pH and temperature renders stimuli-responsive release kinetics from nanoMIPs, [47] which is favorable for the stimuli-responsive release of antitumor drugs. Hydrogen bonding is the most commonly employed noncovalent force for template anchoring as well as for drug loading in MIPs.…”

“…Ford rug release,t he drug molecules must escape from multiple noncovalent or covalent interactions and diffuse from cavities.D uring the release of drug molecules from MIPs,the high affinity of the MIPs to the drug molecules results in am ore controlled release kinetics. [47] This mechanism has been utilized for the prolonged release of antitumor drugs.O ne example is ac arbazole derivative released from am agnetic nanoMIP prepared with methacrylic acid as the functional monomer and 1,4-dimethyl-6-hydroxy-9H-carbazole as the template molecule for controlled antitumor drug delivery. [48] Compared to the NIP which displayed total drug release in about 6h,the nanoMIP prolonged the drug release for more than 48 h. Similar results were also reported by Neda et al,where a5 -fluourouracil-templated nanoMIP exhibited asustained release for more than 96 h, four times longer than the NIP counterpart.…”

Molecularly Imprinted Biodegradable Nanoparticles

“…This method does not require functionalization of the nanoparticles with a targeting unit, as molecularly imprinted sites enable the selective binding of the endogenous ligand, thus generating the desired functionality. Moreover, MIPs may promote active transport into specific tissues and cell types exploiting natural mechanism of cellular uptake and providing highly specific targeted drug delivery systems3456789. Despite their potential, the development of MIPs as carriers for drug delivery is still in its infancy10 and the simultaneous optimization of biocompatibility, delivery kinetics and molecular recognition properties remains a challenge11121314.…”