Nanoparticle systems as tools to improve drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems are appealing because, among other properties, they are easily manufactured and have the capacity to encapsulate a wide variety of drugs, many of which are not directly miscible with water. This review classifies nanoparticles into three broad categories based upon material composition: bio-inspired systems, synthetic systems, and inorganic systems. Each has distinct properties suitable for drug delivery applications, including their structure, composition, and pharmacokinetics (including clearance and uptake mechanisms), making each uniquely suitable for certain types of drugs. Furthermore, nanoparticles can be customized, making them ideal for a variety of applications. Advantages and disadvantages of the different systems are discussed. Strategies for improving nanoparticle efficacy include adding targeting agents on the nanoparticle surface, altering the degradation profile to control drug release, or PEGylating the surface to increase circulation times and reduce immediate clearance by the kidneys. The future of nanoparticle systems seems to be focused on further improving overall patient outcome by increasing delivery accuracy to the target area.

Macroporous chitosan hydrogels: Effects of sulfur on the loading and release behaviour of amino acid-based compounds

“…In the last decade, different innovative strategies have been proposed to obtain systems for efficient, suitable and controlled drug delivery (Alvarez-Lorenzo & Concheiro, 2013;Kim et al, 2014;Mishra, Hubenak, & Mathur, 2013). Hydrogels, with their several applications for the oral, rectal, ocular, transdermal and subcutaneous drug release, represent an excellent choice as potential bioactive supports (Vemula et al, 2013;Overstreet, Dutta, Stabenfeldt, & Vernon, 2012;Bae et al, 2014).…”

Biocompatible and biodegradable fibrinogen microspheres for tumor-targeted doxorubicin delivery

“…In recent years, various drug delivery techniques have emerged with the development of novel drug carriers, such as nanoparticles 1 and microspheres. 2 The drug carriers can improve drug delivery efficacy by preventing degradation of drugs from environmental factors, 3 by increasing their solubility, 4 by improving the pharmacokinetic properties of drugs that are difficult to deliver, and by controlling drug release.…”

Biological interactions of oxide nanoparticles: The good and the evil

“…Nanomedicine is expected to overcome problems of body retention, solubility, stability, and selectivity that impair the use of many potentially useful pharmaceutical drugs. 4 Many oxides on the nanoscale possess intrinsic activities displaying pharmacological potential that promise important advances in therapy against oxidative pathologies ( Figure 2 ) on one side, and against cancer on the other. The two approaches are depicted in Figure 3 .…”