Advancements in nanoparticles-based therapies for biomedical applications

Abstract

Nanoparticles present innovative approaches to enhance the treatment of various health disorders. Within a biological setting, they can penetrate cell membranes and interact with key biological molecules like nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. Researchers have developed both inorganic and organic nanoparticles as high-quality nanocarriers for diverse biomedical purposes, including cell imaging, drug delivery, biosensors, and therapies targeting microbial infections, cancer, inflammation, and autoimmune diseases. Specifically, nanoparticles loaded with anti-inflammatory medications have shown potential in targeting specific organs, thereby improving drug effectiveness in diseases like multiple sclerosis. The immune system, a complex network of cells, organs, and tissues, defends the body against infections and diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when immune cells become overactive within their tissues, often influenced by breakdowns in self-tolerance mechanisms and various sex-related and environmental factors. These diseases affect roughly 10% of the global population, predominantly women. Traditional immune therapies, such as monoclonal antibodies and tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, can inadvertently suppress healthy immune cells, leading to adverse reactions. Consequently, nanoparticle-based therapies are gaining attention for their ability to target specific immune cells and enhance treatment efficacy while minimizing toxicity to non-target cells. This review provides updates on the types of nanoparticles used for treating various autoimmune disorders, focusing on strategies to limit toxicity to healthy cells.