Development of Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Targeted Therapy
rug delivery systems based on nanoparticles have been of great interest because of its capability to circumvent some of the key shortcomings of traditional drug therapies, such as low solubility, short half-life, and indifferent distribution. Both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs can be efficiently encapsulated and released through controlled release by their nanoscale, high surface area and tunable physicochemical properties. Animal-based studies have shown evidence of improved therapeutic performance in different disease models, including cancer, neurological disorders, chronic inflammation and wound infections. Polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, and metallic nanoparticles exhibit better biodistribution, have extended circulation and concentration at diseased locations due to passive targeting such as the Enhanced Permeation and Retention (EPR) effect and active targeting by ligand. Such systems help in decreased systemic toxicity and enhanced treatment outcomes. Nonetheless, there are still problems with long-term safety evaluation, organ build up, immunogenicity and mass production. The safety analyses that have been conducted in animal models emphasize this fact, namely that nanoparticle composition, size, biodegradability and surface properties should be optimized to reduce adverse effects. In general, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have a bright future ahead of them because they would provide better, safer, and disease-targeted treatment procedures.