Nonspherical Nanocapsules as Long-Circulating Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Polymeric nanocapsules have been studied as drug delivery carriers for a great variety of drugs for more than 30 years. In particular, nonspherical polymeric nanoparticles with solid cores are highlighted for their capability to influence cellular uptake and circulation time in the bloodstream. However, the promising combination of nonspherical morphology and the existence of an internal cavity to encapsulate a high dose of pharmaceutical actives has not yet been fully achieved. This review systematically addresses the development of nonspherical nanocapsules with a cross-linked shell or self-assembled membrane (polymersomes). Ellipsoidal, tetrahedral, cubic, protrusion-shaped, dumbbell-shaped, and snowman-shaped nanocapsules are discussed. The relationship between the formed morphologies and the use of different templates, monomers, or methods of polymerization are elucidated for future design of more functional shapes.

Nanomaterials-assisted gene editing and synthetic biology for optimizing the treatment of pulmonary diseases

“…Polymer NPs are usually formed by amphiphilic self-assembly inclusion molecules with hydrophobic polymers through hydrophobic-hydrophilic interactions. Drug encapsulation using polymer NPs typically occurs in the form of nanocapsules, nanospheres, or polymeric micelles [ 90 ]. Nanospheres are characterized by a solid spherical morphology and can bind molecules either on their surfaces or within themselves.…”

Dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy in drug delivery: a roadmap for correct characterization of nanoparticles and interpretation of results

“…1,3,4 Recent studies give evidence that nanoparticles with cylindrical morphology have enhanced tumor accumulation 5,6 and improved circulation time in the blood stream in comparison with spherical nanoparticles. 7,8…”

“…1,3,4 Recent studies give evidence that nanoparticles with cylindrical morphology have enhanced tumor accumulation 5,6 and improved circulation time in the blood stream in comparison with spherical nanoparticles. 7,8 Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are the two experimental techniques most commonly used to study nanoparticle size and shape. Recent technological advancements resulted in the availability of affordable DLS and TEM instruments leading to a significant breakthrough in the development of numerous nanoformulations.…”

Polymersome Membrane Engineering with Active Targeting or Controlled Permeability for Responsive Drug Delivery

“…The wall thickness can be modulated by the segregation of shorter corona chains in the inner shells and the area per corona chains. In addition, the surface topology and deformation of the polymersomes can also be adjusted in the process of self-assembly. − Due to the distinct features and advantages of the polymersomes, they have been widely explored as drug delivery nanocarriers, which can efficiently encapsulate both hydrophilic and hydrophobic pharmaceutical cargos. ,− The hydrophilic drugs, such as peptides, proteins, DNA, RNA, and water-soluble drugs, can be loaded in the aqueous interiors of the polymersomes, while the hydrophobic drugs can be encapsulated in the hydrophobic membranes.…”