Overview of Physicochemical Properties of Nanoparticles as Drug Carriers for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnology has brought about revolutionary innovations in biological research techniques and medical practice. In recent years, various “smart” nanocarriers have been introduced to deliver therapeutic agents specifically to the tumor tissue in a controlled manner, thereby minimizing their side effects and reducing both dosage and dosage frequency. A large number of nanoparticles have demonstrated initial success in preclinical evaluation but modest therapeutic benefits in the clinical setting, partly due to insufficient delivery to the tumor site and penetration in tumor tissue. Therefore, a precise understanding of the relationships betweenthe physicochemical properties of nanoparticles and their interaction with the surrounding microenvironment in the body is extremely important for achieving higher concentrations and better functionality in tumor tissues. This knowledge would help to effectively combine multiple advantageous functions in one nanoparticle. The main focus of the discussion in this review, therefore, will relate to the main physicochemical properties of nanoparticles while interacting within the body and their tuning potential for increased performance.

Travoprost Liquid Nanocrystals: An Innovative Armamentarium for Effective Glaucoma Therapy

“…In influencing the effectiveness of cellular absorption and the biodistribution of the nanocarriers, PS is one of the most important parameters [ 34 , 35 ]. In general, small-sized monodispersed nanosystems are preferred over large ones, as the latter may result in ocular irritation and discomfort [ 36 ].…”

Implications of hydrogen sulfide in colorectal cancer: Mechanistic insights and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies

“…The development of tumor-targeted intelligent diagnostic and therapeutic drugs based on TME characteristics is currently a popular cancer treatment strategy [ 218 , [303] , [304] , [305] , [306] ]. The high level of H 2 S in CRC cells makes it a promising endogenous microenvironment molecule for the design and synthesis of H 2 S-responsive diagnostic therapeutics targeting CRC.…”

Nanomaterials: An overview of synthesis, classification, characterization, and applications

“…Nanoparticles field, carbon nanotubes, biopolymers, paints, and coatings, in the Food Sciences field such as processing, nutraceutical food, nanocapsules, in Environment and Energy field such as water and air purification filters, fuel cells, photovoltaic, Military and Energy field such as biosensors, weapons, sensory enhancement, in Electronics Semiconductors field chips, memory storage, photonic, optoelectronics, and in Scientific tools fields, atomic force fields such as a microscopic and scanning tunneling microscope, and agriculture field atomic force, microscopic and scanning tunneling microscope. [51,53,[54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] TA B L E 1 Summary of some applications of nano-materials. [12,55] Cutting tools For hard material Tungsten carbide [2] Environmental Increase growing rate of plants CNTs [11,5] Elimination of pollutants Used as catalysts to react with toxic gases Titanium oxide, calcium carbonate mixed silicon-based polymer [2,[13][14] Energy Alternating energy storage media CNTs [55] Textile Coating textiles such as nylon, to provide antimicrobial characteristics Ultra-hydrophobic water-resistant and strain resistance fabrics [2] Cosmetics Used in sunscreen and in the cosmetic industry Titanium oxide, zinc oxide [2,12] Car tires Mechanical reinforcement Carbon block [2] Car bumpers To make car exterior lighter Nanosized clay [2]…”

“…[51,53,[54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62] TA B L E 1 Summary of some applications of nano-materials. [12,55] Cutting tools For hard material Tungsten carbide [2] Environmental Increase growing rate of plants CNTs [11,5] Elimination of pollutants Used as catalysts to react with toxic gases Titanium oxide, calcium carbonate mixed silicon-based polymer [2,[13][14] Energy Alternating energy storage media CNTs [55] Textile Coating textiles such as nylon, to provide antimicrobial characteristics Ultra-hydrophobic water-resistant and strain resistance fabrics [2] Cosmetics Used in sunscreen and in the cosmetic industry Titanium oxide, zinc oxide [2,12] Car tires Mechanical reinforcement Carbon block [2] Car bumpers To make car exterior lighter Nanosized clay [2]…”

“…Nanoparticles field, carbon nanotubes, biopolymers, paints, and coatings, in the Food Sciences field such as processing, nutraceutical food, nanocapsules, in Environment and Energy field such as water and air purification filters, fuel cells, photovoltaic, Military and Energy field such as biosensors, weapons, sensory enhancement, in Electronics Semiconductors field chips, memory storage, photonic, optoelectronics, and in Scientific tools fields, atomic force fields such as a microscopic and scanning tunneling microscope, and agriculture field atomic force, microscopic and scanning tunneling microscope. [ 51,53,54–62 ]…”