An Insight into Characterizations and Applications of Nanoparticulate Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Abstract

Nanoparticle-based targeted drug delivery system (DDS) is one of the major applications of nanotechnology in modern biomedical research. Basically, it comprises of bare or functionalized biocompatible nanoparticles with or without targeting ligands and one or more chemotherapeutic drugs. While the targeting efficacy of DDS without targeting ligands involves passive targeting through enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, DDS containing targeting ligands (e.g., protein, antibodies, peptides, and small molecules) relies on their specificity to cell surface receptors. To achieve combination therapy, two or more chemotherapeutic drugs (exhibiting synergistic effect) are often loaded on nanoparticulate DDS. Besides site-specific delivery, the release of drugs from the DDS and stability of nanomaterials are also important factors to develop an effective nanomedicine that could overcome the disadvantages (e.g., nonspecificity, less bioavailability, and adverse side effect) associated with conventional treatment strategies of different diseases. To comprehend the drug release, stability of nanomaterials as well as ultimate therapeutic applications of DDS, it is highly essential to gradually develop and understand relevant physicochemical and biological characterization techniques. In view of the rapid growth of modern biomedical research involving drug delivery, it might be speculated that many nanomedicines based on DDS would come up in near future for practical therapeutic applications in human.