Understanding the Biological Activities of Nanoparticles Using Murine Models

Abstract

The advent of nanotechnological interventions in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sectors has revolutionized the current therapeutic strategies by significantly complementing the conventional approaches. Deciphering the widespread biomedical potential of engineered nanomaterials, it is highly important to develop potential model systems. Among the different model systems used to study the biological evaluations of nanomaterials, in vivo model systems gained considerable attention. Among the various in vivo model systems, exploitation of murine models including experimental rats and mice is frequently being used owing to their phylogenetic relatedness to human system, their ability to decipher the biodistribution and bioavailability profile of administered drug candidates, and their ability to determine the different physiological and biochemical responses following the therapeutic administration. Though the limitations such as ethical considerations and other technical issues are frequently being questioned on the use of the animal models in scientific research, the use of murine models remains highly essential in finding the scientific purposes as promising alternative model systems are not available in the current scenario. In this context, murine models are being exploited to decipher the extensive biomedical applications such as antimicrobial, anti-infectives, anti-biofilm, anticancer, wound healing, radioprotective, and anti-diabetic potential of engineered nanomaterials. The nano-based platforms not only provided the widespread biomedical applications but also complemented the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics and other drug candidates as evidenced from the in vivo studies. This chapter summarizes the advent of nanotechnological platforms in the field of biomedicines thereby improving the therapeutic efficacy of antibiotics and other drug candidates. The use of experimental murine models in understanding the biomedical potential of the engineered nanomaterials is also described in this chapter. This chapter will provide an in-depth understanding of utilizing appropriate model systems to decipher the biological properties of various nanomaterials and the drug-encapsulated nanomaterials.