Abstract
Nanomaterials are advancing in several directions with significant progress being achieved with respect to their synthesis, functionalization and biomedical application. In this review, we will describe several classes of prototypical nanocarriers, such as liposomes, silicon particles, and gold nanoshells, in terms of their individual function as well as their synergistic use. Active and passive targeting, photothermal ablation, and drug controlled release constitute some of the crucial functions identified to achieve a medical purpose. Current limitations in targeting, slow clearance, and systemic as well as local toxicity are addressed in reference to the recent studies that attempted to comprehend and solve these issues. The demand for a more sophisticated understanding of the impact of nanomaterialson the body and of their potential immune response underlies this discussion. Combined components are then discussed in the setting of multifunctional nanocarriers, a class of drug delivery systems we envisioned, proposed, and evolved in the last 5 years. In particular, our third generation of nanocarriers, the multistage vectors, usher in the new field of nanomedicine by combining several components onto multifunctional nanocarriers characterized by emerging properties and able to achieve synergistic effects.
Highlights
Nanomaterials are advancing in several directions with significant progress being achieved with respect to their synthesis, functionalization and biomedical application
Micelles consist of a 10–100 nm spherical monolayer of lipids effectively creating a hydrophobic interior; this allows for the transport of hydrophobic drugs within the micelle’s core
NP composed of gadolinium are used aspowerful contrast agents providing signals thousands of times greater than background tissue for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [6]
Summary
Multifunctional nanocarriers can be defined as nanoscale particles capable of performing at least an additional function to that of carrying a therapeutic or imaging payload. Doxil, used for breast cancer treatment in the USA, is liposomally encapsulated doxorubicin, and SP1049C, which is currently in phase III clinical trials, is doxorubicin loaded into micelles [3,4] Both NP have surfaces that can be modified with polymers or targeting molecules to further enhance their functionality. Silicon and silica particles have spurred interest in the nanotechnology field due to their versatile and flexible fabrication protocols capable of producing consistent NP with well-controlled sizes and shapes Both materials can be porosified at the nanoscale allowing the loading of drugs, and their surfaces can be reacted with many different chemical moieties. The main limitations of NP such as the lack of selective targeting, bioavailability, and toxicity have fostered the development of delivery systems based on multifunctional NP To overcome these obstacles, the physicochemical properties of NP such as size, shape,. Composition and surface properties are currently being investigated in greater detail
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