Nanocarriers for Drug Delivery: An Overview with Emphasis on Vitamin D and K Transportation

Abstract

Mounting evidence shows that supplementation with vitamin D and K or their analogs induces beneficial effects in various diseases, e.g., osteoarticular, cardiovascular, or carcinogenesis. The use of drugs delivery systems via organic and inorganic nanocarriers increases the bioavailability of vitamins and analogs, enhancing their cellular delivery and effects. The nanotechnology-based dietary supplements and drugs produced by the food and pharmaceutical industries overcome the issues associated with vitamin administration, such as stability, absorption or low bioavailability. Consequently, there is a continuous interest in optimizing the carriers’ systems in order to make them more efficient and specific for the targeted tissue. In this pioneer review, we try to circumscribe the most relevant aspects related to nanocarriers for drug delivery, compare different types of nanoparticles for vitamin D and K transportation, and critically address their benefits and disadvantages.

Nanocarriers System for Vitamin D as Nutraceutical in Type 2 Diabetes: A Review

“…Micelles are colloidal particles with nanosized diameters and spherical shapes and have a non-polar nature interior with a polar outer surface [12]. This system was introduced in 1913 as colloidal aggregates from detergent in a water mixture [37].…”

“…The application of nanocarrier technology has provided many breakthroughs for the development of medicine around the world. When compared with the conventional method, the application of nanocarrier provides more advantages [12]. Nanocarrier involved in drug and vitamin delivery shows an increase in water solubility of water-insoluble substances, protecting against degradation from the environmental condition, and inactivation [13].…”

Cell internalization kinetics and surface charge accessibility of surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers

“…Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers are promising polymeric materials for drug delivery applications. 1,2 These polymers have well-defined structures, composed of a central diamine core, multiple branching generations, and an outer shell of surface functional groups, with amines being the most common terminal functionality (Fig. 1).…”

“…Surface conjugation can also modulate the drug delivery properties of PAMAM dendrimers by enhancing their interaction with target cells or improving drug encapsulation and release. 1,[11][12][13][14] So far, a wide variety of functional groups have been conjugated to the surface of PAMAM dendrimers, including carboxyl, hydroxyl, and acetyl groups, poly(ethylene glycol) chains, antibodies, peptides, aptamers, and sugars. 7,[15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22] Nevertheless, there are still unsolved questions regarding the role of different functional groups on the cell internalization capacity of surface-modified PAMAM dendrimers, which is a major aspect of designing efficient drug delivery vehicles.…”

Nanomaterials in Drug Delivery Applications

“…The nano-sized drug delivery systems can enhance the drugs’ solubility, which is a result of their small particle size and large surface area, and blood half-life with minimal off-target effects or toxicity to healthy tissues. Crintea and colleagues reviewed the nanoparticles’ applicability to improve the efficacy of the vitamins and increase the patient’s compliance [ 1 ]. This revision compares the different types of nanoparticles that have been explored for vitamin D and K transportation, addressing the benefits and shortcomings of each approach.…”